The women were Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, mother of the disciple James. They’d witnessed the crucifixion of Christ, had been present when Joseph of Arimathea buried Christ, and arrived first at the tomb that Sunday morning, to anoint their Lord’s body with spices.
But as they approached, a violent earthquake threw them to the ground and an angel, bright-white as lightning, descended from the sky. Even the Roman soldiers guarding the tomb became frozen with fear.
The angel paid them no attention and set about rolling the massive stone away from the tomb. Then he sat upon it. The women warily peeked inside; Jesus wasn’t there.
No doubt they huddled in fear as these events unfolded in rapid succession. But the angel reassured them, “Do not be afraid.” He then announced Christ had risen from the dead, and they must go quickly to tell his disciples (1).
Can you imagine their conversation as they hurried to the upper room where these men would likely be gathered?
“I’ve never been so frightened in all my life! My heart is still pounding.”
“And I’m still shaking! Have you ever seen someone glow like that?”
“No indeed!
“I can scarcely believe what he told us. How is this possible?”
“Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead. It must be true.”
“But what if the disciples don’t believe us? They’re going to think we’re crazy.”
And so, with trepidation the two Marys made their way to the house with the upper room.
Yet their hearts were also filled with joy. Jesus was alive! It was the most glorious news they could hope to hear. And they’d been chosen to announce it.
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We too experience fear and joy at the same time, in spite of the fact these emotions occupy opposite ends of the spectrum.
Think how you felt when hired for that highly-desired job. Worries may have included: Will I be up to the task? Able to fit in with other employees? Get along with the boss? But you were also thrilled for the opportunity God had provided, just as you’d hoped and prayed.
Think about your wedding day. You and the love of your life would soon promise to cherish one another for the rest of your days. The thought certainly brought great joy, but perhaps a niggle of fear as well. Will our love last, or will we fall prey to division?
Think about the birth of your first child. No other joy compares to bringing new life into the world. But, this tiny, fragile creature is now your responsibility for the next eighteen years—at least. It’s a fearsome thing to contemplate.
This joy-and-fear combination is also part of our experience with God, all-powerful and awe-inspiring as he is, capable of fearsome acts. After all, he once annihilated an enemy-army of 185,000 in one night (2).
To fear God—reverence him and highly respect him—is a wise choice!
Then, as we face worrisome unknowns and fears begin to rise, we can still take joy in such blessings as:
- God’s unfailing strength and goodness to carry us through
- Scripture-promises to quiet our spirits
- Enhanced intimacy with God as he draws especially near with comfort and encouragement
And during the process of the unknown becoming known, we discover God’s plan includes multiple delights.
Steve and I saw this occur in all six churches where he served as pastor during forty years of ministry. Each seemed a fearsome challenge for different reasons, and yet we also felt the joy of expectation, to see what God would do.
And each church did provide multiple delights, as God blessed us and others.
Praise God, he “guides us only into that which will finally result in our joy and radiance, even if it means passing through pain”(3)–or fear, we might add.
Imagine the joy and radiance of the two Marys as they followed the angel’s instructions and made their announcement!
The same pleasure can be ours—in spite of fear—as we follow God’s guidance for us.
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Notes:
- Matthew 27:32-61; 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-7
- 2 Kings 19:32-36
- Dane C. Ortlund, In the Lord I Take Refuge, 90.
Image credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (Marina Shemesh) & http://www.canva.com; http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.dailyverses.net.
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Nancy, your energized testament opens anyone’s heart to feel the joy shared from these Marys’ witness of Christ’s empty tomb. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Richard. That’s always my prayer, that what is shared here would always open hearts to the joy of knowing Jesus, who loves us, grants us peace and joy, and offers us the best gift of all: eternal life.
Fear and joy can exist in the same breath, Nancy, and you have so perfectly illustrated this truth in the retelling of the Easter story through the eyes and hearts of the Marys. You truly made me feel the entire experience of their encounter as if I were right beside them as they hurried to tell the disciples. Thank you! Blessings always!
And thank you, Martha, for your encouragement.
🧡
The two Marys went from indescribable sadness to unimaginable joy. I love the way you narrated how they might have felt as they realized Jesus had risen from the dead. Thank you, Nancy, for your encouragement to embrace the joy of obedience. 🙂