Devotional for the Week 31 May 2004

This Week's Devotional | 2004 Devotionals | 2005 Devotionals

Devotional for the Week 31 May 2004

The Gospel Encounters (3): Rolling Stones!
Reference: Matthew 28:2-10

The question posed when we read Matt 28:2-10 is, ‘Was the stone rolled away for Jesus?’ But then again, have you thought about whether Jesus, the Son of Almighty God, Conqueror of Death, who has the power to come back to life after dying on the cross, would need the stone to be rolled away for Himself? Note the angel’s words. “Come and see...” Suddenly it seems that the stone was rolled aside so that Mary, us, or anyone might be able to come and see. The stone rolled aside was an invitation!

The stone was rolled away for the Gentiles. If the stone wasn’t rolled away, the Gentile soldiers wouldn’t have bothered to check if Jesus truly rose. Rather they would think the disciples stole Jesus’ body and made the Resurrection up. But because they witnessed it for themselves, they, and generations after them, knew then it was a fact. The empty tomb is a proclamation to all that Jesus truly is alive and has fulfilled every prophecy He ever made about Himself – being handed over to wicked men, killed and buried for 3 days before resurrecting; that He IS the Christ from God! Without this revelation from God, the Gentiles would never have sought Him. So the popular phrase ‘I found God’ is not entirely accurate. Rather it should be ‘God found me’.

The stone was rolled away for the believers. At the empty tomb of Jesus, the angel announced that Jesus was alive to His believers so that they might end their mourning, be joyful once more and trust in a living hope. The Jesus who had been with them, the Jesus of all the miracles they had witnessed was the same Jesus who rose from the dead. He didn’t lie. Every word He promised is true!

The stone was rolled away for an eternal purpose. The stone rolled away, carries with it more than just an invitation. It carries with it the promise of Eternal Life. God sent His very own Son into this world to die, so that He might save us from our sin. Like an engagement ring that is presented before us, the Resurrection signifies God pledging His love for us, and giving us the best gift of Eternal Life with Him. The Church shall eventually be like a bride, with Jesus as its bridegroom, reunited with Him forever. It’s not the end when we die, rather the beginning. But like any pledge, it is two-way. It calls for our allegiance and faithfulness. God’s faithfulness is not dependent upon our own. But rather God’s love compels us to love Him in return out of pure gratitude and response.

- Ps Joel Yong

Reflection:
Are you facing discouragement? Find new joy in the trustworthy hope you can have in Christ. Through Him, you can have abundant life not only on earth, but for eternity. The work of the resurrection has been completed, and the gift of eternal life is free for all to receive. It’s up to us to accept and embrace God’s invitation of love today!

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This Week's Devotional \| 2004 Devotionals \| 2005 Devotionals Devotional for the Week 31 May 2004 The Gospel Encounters (3): Rolling Stones! Reference: Matthew 28:2-10 The question posed when we read Matt 28:2-10 is, ‘Was the stone rolled away for Jesus?’ But then again, have you thought about whether Jesus, the Son of Almighty God, Conqueror of Death, who has the power to come back to life after dying on the cross, would need the stone to be rolled away for Himself? Note the angel’s words. “Come and see...” Suddenly it seems that the stone was rolled aside so that Mary, us, or anyone might be able to come and see. The stone rolled aside was an invitation! The stone was rolled away for the Gentiles. If the stone wasn’t rolled away, the Gentile soldiers wouldn’t have bothered to check if Jesus truly rose. Rather they would think the disciples stole Jesus’ body and made the Resurrection up. But because they witnessed it for themselves, they, and generations after them, knew then it was a fact. The empty tomb is a proclamation to all that Jesus truly is alive and has fulfilled every prophecy He ever made about Himself – being handed over to wicked men, killed and buried for 3 days before resurrecting; that He IS the Christ from God! Without this revelation from God, the Gentiles would never have sought Him. So the popular phrase ‘I found God’ is not entirely accurate. Rather it should be ‘God found me’. The stone was rolled away for the believers. At the empty tomb of Jesus, the angel announced that Jesus was alive to His believers so that they might end their mourning, be joyful once more and trust in a living hope. The Jesus who had been with them, the Jesus of all the miracles they had witnessed was the same Jesus who rose from the dead. He didn’t lie. Every word He promised is true! The stone was rolled away for an eternal purpose. The stone rolled away, carries with it more than just an invitation. It carries with it the promise of Eternal Life. God sent His very own Son into this world to die, so that He might save us from our sin. Like an engagement ring that is presented before us, the Resurrection signifies God pledging His love for us, and giving us the best gift of Eternal Life with Him. The Church shall eventually be like a bride, with Jesus as its bridegroom, reunited with Him forever. It’s not the end when we die, rather the beginning. But like any pledge, it is two-way. It calls for our allegiance and faithfulness. God’s faithfulness is not dependent upon our own. But rather God’s love compels us to love Him in return out of pure gratitude and response. *- Ps Joel Yong* Reflection: Are you facing discouragement? Find new joy in the trustworthy hope you can have in Christ. Through Him, you can have abundant life not only on earth, but for eternity. The work of the resurrection has been completed, and the gift of eternal life is free for all to receive. It’s up to us to accept and embrace God’s invitation of love today!
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