Matthew 18:2-8
On Sunday morning after Jesus resurrection, the two Marys went to visit the tomb. "Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint." vv. 2-4 It's hardly surprising that the guards were terrified at these supernatural events.
The angel did not roll the stone away to let Jesus out--He was already out! He rolled it away so everyone could see that He had risen. Then he invited them to go into the tomb to see for themselves. John 20:5-7 tells us that the women found the grave clothes still in the shape of Jesus' body and the cloth that had been wrapped around His head was neatly folded. Finally, the angel gave one more instruction, "And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you." v. 7
"The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message." v. 8
If we think about following these women's example, we look into God's Word and learn for ourselves all we can about Jesus. Then we're filled with great joy and go and tell others!
Psalm 144:5-15
In vv. 1-4 we saw many examples of what God is to us though we are quite insignificant compared to Him.
Though He is mighty and majestic beyond our imagination, able to "touch the mountains so they billow smoke and hurl...lightning bolts...," He is there to help us in our difficulties. vv. 5-8 It is no small thing that the God of the universe cares about each of us as individuals, and not only that, He will help us!
Then when He has granted us the victory so to speak, we should not forget to praise and thank Him. "I will sing a new song to you, O God! I will sing your praises with a ten-stringed harp." In this psalm David thanks God and prays for victory over his enemies (v. 11), for his family (v. 12), for his crops and flocks (v. 13, 14), and for peace (v. 14).
"Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord." v. 15
Let us be a joyful and thankful people. Some of us are further along in life (by age) than others. I speak from experience. A believer should never be a cranky old person! But then young people shouldn't be cranky either! So let's remember these psalms and be encouraged.
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