Today’s Scripture: Matthew 28:8, NKJV- “So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.”
The women had come to the tomb of Jesus only to find an Angel of God who gave them the directions to go back and tell the other disciples what they had seen and heard. In Matthew 28:7 the angel of the LORD told them “And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
It is ok to be afraid as we follow God’s directions. However, the greater joy and faith we find in God and in His Son Jesus Christ calls us to run to where He is leading us. We have great news for others. We can count on Jesus meeting us along our ways. In Matthew 28:9, we are told that Jesus suddenly appeared to these women as they were hurrying to go and tell what the angel of the LORD had instructed them.
Just as suddenly and unexpectedly, Jesus does appear in our lives. His appearance may be different than the women experienced on this morning, but it is assured. We too can fall at Jesus feet and worship Him. Afraid and strangely joyful we can worship Jesus. Jesus will comfort and reassure us to not be afraid and to continue our journey as well.
This world will do its best to deceive us just as the chief priests did in that day. They will concoct a story to keep others from following Jesus. We must be relentless and committed, often contrary to public opinion. As the disciples in Matthew 28:16 we must only go to where Jesus has told us to go. Like these disciples we must worship Jesus even in the face of doubt.
We have an authority through Jesus in heaven and on earth. A greater calling that provides greater joy. We must follow Jesus’ instructions to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20, NIV.
We are equipped with what Jesus has already done in our lives. We have authority to tell others about what we have seen and heard. Can it be scary, and can we have moments of doubt? Yes, yet Jesus is faithful, and we have other disciples and angels to help us along our way. Most importantly we must always fall and grasp the feet of Jesus and worship Him. Here at Jesus’ feet, we lose fear of what humankind can do to us and we find great joy.
Are you hurrying to where Jesus is sending you?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the angels You have sent into our lives. Thank You for Your direction as to where we are to run. Jesus, thank You for meeting us along our journey to comfort and encourage us. Thank You LORD for directing us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Help us to teach ourselves and others to obey everything You have commanded. Thank You LORD for being with us always and for providing us with great joy. Amen.
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