Discovering Joy

Mark 16:1-4 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
 
THE devoted women wanted to anoint Jesus’ body with perfume. This is similar to taking flowers to a funeral or grave. Or you may have some other custom to honor the dead. To honor one’s life helps us accept his death.
   But this was not a simple matter for the women. They knew a large stone covered the tomb. Roman guards guarded the tomb to keep Jesus’ followers away. And it would be most unpleasant to enter the grave of a man three days dead. These obstacles did not stop them, though. The women remained faithful in spite of their unanswered question, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
   We can waste much energy and time with unanswered questions. When we understand God is directing us to respond to a particular need, it’s natural to ask our own version of, “How do we roll away the obstacles?” Our tendency can be to do nothing because we’re afraid the barriers may be too big. For example you may want to help in a local shelter that cares for women and children. But you wonder, “Am I qualified?” “Will they like me?” “What if I make a mistake?” “Does it do any good for just one more person to help them?” You may even ask, “If I like this, how will my life change?” Fear of the answers can keep us at home.
   It seems Jesus’ devoted followers didn’t ask the question in fear. They asked in faith. The women trusted someone would be there to help them roll the stone away. Their task would be done, and, they could properly lay Jesus’ body to rest.
   God wants you to know the questions and the fears will grow smaller when you focus on the Lord. He is calling you to help reveal his goodness to lost and wounded people. Moses, Elijah, Nehemiah and others learned this life-giving lesson. Soon the missing disciples would learn it, too. God wants you to step forward, trusting he is the Good Shepherd leading you to serve his kingdom. Go with God, and he will answer your questions. You will see God’s power increase your joy and love for Jesus. That is what is about to happen for these devoted women.