Saturday, April 3, 2010

Night of Anguish, Morning of Hope!

I am one of the women who watched the horrific crucifixion of the man we called Lord and Savior. I've cried until there are no tears left. My throat is dry; my tongue thirst for water, my headaches, my body is heavy with grieving.

You see I do remember hearing Him say, "That the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again."

But I was not prepared for the pain of seeing Him suffer in agony, crying out for thirst only to be given vinegar.

I knew the high priest and elders was not pleased with all the good He was doing. I just didn't know how far they would go to get rid of Him. Treating Him as a common thief, the lowest of the low, wanting Him to beg for His life.

It is dark now. An unusual darkness; A heavy thick darkness; A darkness I can feel in my flesh. There are a few lights in the city, but for the most part the earth has closed itself up as though grieving for its creator. The same with the skies. There are no stars out, the moon is hidden, in fact, the sun should be going down about now, but there is no more light at the end at the end of this day. Darkness came early.

I'm trying to think positive. I'm trying to visualize seeing Him again as He said. The Sabbath is still three days away, and I don't want to wait. My impatience is unchecked. I need to hear Him one more time; I need to see Him again at Martha's house. I want to sit at His feet and be blessed.

The Sabbath has passed.
"OK" I yell to Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Salome  who wait outside my door. 
"I have been waiting for you".
We are on our way to the tomb of Jesus to anoint His body. The sun will be up in a little while, and already the darkness is dispelling - giving way to the glorious rays of the sun just below the horizon. There is something different about today.

I've spent time these past few days since the crucifixion thinking about what a mess I was in when I met Jesus. They said He cast seven devils from me. That is probably true. I needed a savior. I was so tormented and troubled. I was grievously afflicted by the evil spirits that indwelled me. People treated me like a crazy woman, throwing rocks at me and wishing me ill. I was an outcast until He came. I learned He had been searching for me. He has loved me from the foundation of the world. I could not understand. It still amazes me that someone who knows me, could love me anyway, with a love so powerful it became a healer of all my infirmities. Oh Thank you Lord Jesus for PEACE that passes understanding that will keep my heart until I see you again.

"The sun is up now", Mary the mother of Jesus is talking. "My spirit is lighter this morning. There is an excitement in me I have not felt in many days. Who will roll the stone away for us. Maybe some of the disciples will also be there."

We see the tomb. The stone has been moved away from the door. My eyes search for the linen cloth that has wrapped His body. We stand in silence, each of us allowing our eyes to gaze at the sight we see. We see a man in long white clothes setting on the stone, which had barred the door of His grave.

"Don't be afraid," he speaks. "I know why you are here. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth and I want you to know He has risen. Look here - see the place where He lay - He is not here."

I hear him but what he says is not registering with me. The surprise of seeing him here in the place where we were looking for Jesus is unnerving. He seems to read my thoughts.

"Don't be afraid. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you."

We hurry from the empty tomb with our spices still in our basket. Mary the mother of Jesus ran ahead. Salome goes in another direction, while I Mary Magdalene, go to find Peter.

"Mary" someone calls my name.
"Yes," I respond.
"Do you know who I am"
"Yes, Lord. I would recognize you anywhere. There is something different about you though. There is a heavenly glow shrouding you. You are a wonderful sight to my eyes. I have missed you so."
"I am here for a little while. I want to see the disciples and encourage them. Will you go tell them you have seen me."

"Gladly Lord. I am willing to do anything you ask. I am your servant."

I really don't think things will ever be back to Normal again. When Jesus is present, excitement prevails. In His presence is peace. In His presence is Joy. In His presence fullness of joy and at His right had there are pleasures forever

The disciples are still mourning and grieving. Oh I can hardly wait to give them a message from Jesus. They probably won't believe me. However, I know what I saw, who I saw, and the message I carry is straight from Him.

"James, John, Peter, I need to talk with you." I stand outside the house waiting for permission to come in. The maid opens the door and inside are the disciples bent in prayer and weeping. They can't understand my jubilance. I'm sure it annoys them.

"Men, I have the most wonderful news.  I've just seen Jesus....."

Written by Doris
April 3, 2010

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I felt I was there with you. What a day it must have been. How thankful I am that I know Jesus and our Heavenly Father. Whatever we would do without them. My heart is filled with joy and thanksgiving this day...He is risen! Praise God!