Devotional - Thursday, August 12th

God Breaks Into Our Everyday World



Luke 24:1-12

The women have been preparing the spices and perfume for Jesus’ body. They did not have time to complete the burial. They only had time to get his body to the tomb and then they had to rest, as required on the Sabbath.


What a long Sabbath that must have been. Remembering what Jesus endured on the cross. Possibly trying to make sense of what seemed so senseless.


And now they rise early to bring the spices and perfume to the tomb. I can not imagine how heavy their hearts felt that morning. They were taking the final steps to complete the burial. Their focus on the task ahead of them.


And then there is surprise. The stone has been rolled away. More surprising, the body is missing! They are overwhelmed as men with white gleaming clothes appear suddenly. The events over the last few days are forgotten. God has broken into their world. They hear the words of Jesus again. He is risen! He said he would rise. How could we know what it would mean? He said it would happen and it has! He is risen!


The spices and perfumes are not mentioned again. The women probably left them as they hurried from the tomb. Their focus was no longer on the burial. They had to let the Eleven and all the others know that Jesus had risen.


When Peter entered the tomb it would have been filled with the aroma of the spices and perfume. An aroma normally associated with death. But there was no body. Even Peter was wondering what was happening. This is not what he had expected.


What joy and celebration there would be as the significance of the empty tomb sunk in. He had risen! Just as he said he would. What wonderful joy during a time of deep sorrow. God has broken into our everyday world and reminded us of His power and love.


Heavenly Father,


We thank you for the new life that You have given to every person through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We remember the pain and sorrow that began that first Easter morning and celebrate how You broke through with surprise and wonder. Through Your power and love You have given us new life. Help us Father to remember this in our everyday lives.


Amen


Darren Martin