Rev. Chism's Weekly Message

"Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" - Mark 16:3b

A brutal Passover and the Sabbath were over. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome to go to the tomb where Jesus lay. It was three days after the Crucifixion. They took the customary spices used in those times to hide the stench of death. It would be one more faithful act of devotion by the three.

Or was it?

I'm reminded of a story about Rev. Tim Thompson when the church he led faced the loss of a church member. This would be Rev. Thompson’s first graveside to officiate. He was new to ministry and very green. Anyway, he had his Book of Worship with the words he needed and was good to go. A Book of Worship is often used by pastors at a graveside.

The service started and he reached down to one of his pockets to get the Book of Worship. As he was taking out of his pocket, he dropped it right into the freshly dug ground and it landed right next to the casket. This was not how it was supposed to go and he was embarrassed. The graveside was not going as planned.

Yet good things happened. Sad and grieving people began to laugh at a very difficult time. The tone changed. People cried but rejoiced at the same time. In the midst of death, they all had a smile on their face. I have often thought of laughter as a sign of resurrection and a new beginning in the midst of grief.

The stone was rolled away for them to rejoice.

Three women went to the tomb thinking defeat. It was still dark but the sun was rising. They thought they would have trouble removing the stone entering the tomb. It was already completed. They walked into an empty tomb. Rolled away in emotion, a young man in white greeting them.

I have heard countless stories of how God has changed the direction of a person's life. Life wasn't going as planned. They felt defeated and didn't know how life was going to change. And then something unexpected would happen that would get them back on course.

God works miracles in the unexpected and rolls away and stone or two and empties our tombs.

Jesus was already on the move again. He goes to the Galilee where it all began. The women were the first to share the good news of the Resurrection with the disciples and Peter. The act of devotion changed. Instead of using the spices they carried to hide the stench of death, they are called to act and share the wonderful news of life!

How has God rolled away stones in your life? What stones do you need rolled away?

Stay Safe,

Rev. Baxter