"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Mark 16:5-7

 April 17

"When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” - Mark 16:5-7 (NLT)

Have you ever encountered an angel? It can be a shocking experience. When Mary Magdalene and the grieving women brought ointment and spices to the tomb to care for our Lord's bruised and battered body after his crucifixion, an angel greeted them who announced the Good News of the Resurrection to the women. He gave both Mary and us today five important messages:

(1) Don't be afraid. The reality of the Resurrection brings joy, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb.

(2) He isn't here. Jesus is not dead and is not to be looked for among the dead. He is living with all his people including you.

3) Come, see. The women could check the evidence themselves. So can we. The tomb was empty then, and it is empty today. The Resurrection is a historical fact.

(4) Jesus will go ahead of you. We can be certain the resurrected Christ will go with us wherever we go. Our resurrection is ensured because Christ was resurrected. Death is not the end—there is a future life. Because He lives all fear is gone!

(5) Go quickly and tell. The women were to spread the joy of the Resurrection. We, too, are called to spread the Great News about Jesus' resurrection to a world hungry for Hope.

Prayer: God of the Resurrection, remove my doubts and fears today so I may share the Good News that you are still alive with my friends, community, and family. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Angels illuminate. Doubts intimidate.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)