Anything Stopping You?

Mark 15:8-11 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. 9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
 
THE devoted women became suddenly afraid. The stone is rolled away, but Jesus is gone! Had they put themselves in danger as they attempted to care for Jesus’ body? What’s more a man spoke a very strange message, “He is risen! You’ll see him in Galilee.” The words were abrupt. The women received the life-changing announcement with fear. Why were they afraid?
   If it were true everything would change, wouldn’t it? Their understanding of Jesus would change. Their belief in God would change. Jesus’ resurrection is a life-altering event. Life-altering is fearful. Who knows what will happen?
   What was your first reaction to, “Jesus is risen. The grave is empty!” Were you afraid to consider the Living Lord will change your life? To believe and live the Good News, “He has risen! He is not here.” means you must confront your life. Is the risen Lord your foe or your friend?
   Even the disciples weren’t sure. Mary told the mourning and weeping disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18) But they did not believe it. It was only when Jesus appeared to them, talked and ate with them did they believe Mary’s good news.
   But what do you do with the doubt? The women and the disciples had real evidence. Do you?
   We could say, “Just believe.” but you must know Jesus is the object of your faith. One way to strengthen your faith is to know these three facts that confirm Jesus’ resurrection.
   The first is salvation. True salvation changes lives. No mere idea or dead god could transform anyone. Those who confess Jesus are new in him because he is alive.
   The second evidence is the Old Testament scriptures. Hundreds of prophecies refer to Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. Jesus fulfilled each of those prophecies. No dead rabbi could do that.
   The third evidence is the eyewitnesses. The gospels and epistles were written when Paul, Peter and John were under great persecution. Paul and Peter died for their work. John was exiled. All suffered terribly. False witnesses do not suffer and die for a false teacher.
   Still each of us must come to the point when we put aside fear and doubt to receive Jesus’ transforming salvation. Be diligent to listen to His Word. Know he has lived, suffered, died, risen and ascended for your eternal life.