It was a life-changing moment for the women who were the first visitors to the empty tomb at sunrise. These women, who were followers of Jesus, saw the stone rolled away with an angel sitting on it. The shock they encountered was beyond words. Having an angel speak to them was a surprising experience. Even the nearby soldiers were shaking in fright.
The second set of visitors came to bring burial spices (Luke 24:1). As they appeared in the empty tomb, they, too, saw angels, but not Jesus. They quickly returned to tell the remaining disciples who didn’t believe the ladies. Peter and John decided to see for themselves. Upon their arrival, there was still no Jesus. All that remained were His burial clothes.
Being bewildered about spiritual things is nothing new. God uses these moments to get our attention and to remind us of His presence in our lives. Our circumstances may differ from those experiencing the first Easter morning, but the events, words, and people involved reveal a different mission for us.
What’s our reaction? Excitement to tell others, like the women visiting the empty tomb. Or it could be like Peter and John, showing disbelief and thinking, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” Whatever the case, would you be open to a personal leading of God?
When the Lord leads us into new experiences, one thing is sure: He is with us, reassuring us of His presence. Making that decision to follow God’s leading is an act of obedience, an adventure, and a promise of future rewards.
It is good to look back at times. Doing so gives us a fresh reminder that God is always with us.
