9 April • The Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Sunday
Matthew 28:1-10
1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Meditation
Resurrection denotes restoration to existence or life. The resurrection of Jesus rings HOPE for mankind. The chains that held Him dead were broken. Perhaps you have been experiencing a certain type of death. It could be a long trial, a death of dreams, a sense of obscurity or an oppression of some sort. Covid-19 have further tarnished vision, banished plans, and ravished scarce resources.
Reflecting on this passage of Jesus’ resurrection, consider three active movements:
Move and Look for. The two Mary’s “went to see the tomb.” Perhaps others might have discouraged them with, “what is there to see? An immoveable rock? Don’t waste your time and energy!” Grief, a sense of loss and despondency, may immobilise us and “lock us” in a spot. We need to MOVE—move out of our passive, discouraged, or lifeless state. Don’t stay stuck where you are, or surely that very place will become your tomb.
See and Worship. As a result, the two women saw with their own eyes—an angel, an empty tomb, and Jesus Himself! What a reward! What they saw brought them both fear and joy! It also brought them to their knees in worship. They were not just mesmerised by the happenings; they were awed by the resurrected One.
Go and Tell. Joy did not keep the women stationery and silent. Fueled by the mixed emotions of fear and joy, they ran to tell His disciples. It looks like a changing out of grave clothes to a re-clothing for a purpose. Death is defeated. Life has triumphed. Destiny has changed.
Friends, move, seek the One who IS the resurrection and the life! Worship Him in awe! This Easter, may you experience a “resurrection” of God-given dreams, hope, sense of purpose, joy, and abundant life. Go and tell someone—Jesus is alive!
Prayer
Lord, I may be weak, but You are strong. Just like the two women, give me strength to seek for You even in my current state. Help me with my lack of love, tenacity, and desire for You. Teach me to seek You wholeheartedly today and everyday! I want to break free from my state of “death” and experience You as resurrection and life. Allow me to behold You with a fresh vision and worship You with renewed passion. In the name of the resurrected Saviour, amen.
Action
Move and Look for: decide to move out of your current state, and look for or seek God—His heart, His plans, His word, His ways.
See and Worship: decide to worship Him everyday—in song or declaration of His Word.
Go and Tell: Pray that the power of the resurrected Christ be upon you—go and tell someone about Jesus.
Rev Dominic Yeo
Lead Pastor, Trinity Christian Centre
General Superintendent, Assemblies of God of Singapore