Daily Scripture
During Easter, we are using short videos to share a daily idea (linked to the sermon for Sunday) on a reflection helping us wade deeper into the worship idea. Watch today's video:
NOTE:
The video is a longer drawing out of the reflection below. You can watch one and read the other or choose one.
Scripture
28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. 2 Look, there was a great earthquake, for an angel from the Lord came down from heaven. Coming to the stone, he rolled it away and sat on it. 3 Now his face was like lightning and his clothes as white as snow. 4 The guards were so terrified of him that they shook with fear and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him. 7 Now hurry, go and tell his disciples, ‘He’s been raised from the dead. He’s going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ I’ve given the message to you.”
8 With great fear and excitement, they hurried away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. 9 But Jesus met them and greeted them. They came and grabbed his feet and worshipped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers that I am going into Galilee. They will see me there.”
reflection Questions:
The two women were present for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Life crises change us. An indescribable event forever changed the women who visited the tomb of their beloved master. They came to grieve. They left with a message that would change the world. Dramatic moments can turn deep sorrow to joy overflowing, distress into transcendent peace. The results of these moments, however, depend upon our environment and our inner disposition. The people and events that step into these moments of change are just as important as an inner sense of balance.
How has tragedy touched your life? How have you reacted? How have you grown from the experience?
How does faith in the Resurrection change your outlook on tragedy? On death?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you walked into the most awful prison: the prison of death. But you went there to break those dark doors wide open. Thank you for bringing light into darkness, life out of death. Amen.