On the first day of the week after the crucifixion of Jesus, three women went to the tomb, planning to cover the body of Jesus with aromatic spices to cover the growing stench of decay. This was done as an act of love for one who had loved them.
Imagine their surprise when they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Even more alarming was a messenger in white who informed them that Jesus was no longer there but had been raised by God. They were told to deliver a message to Peter that Jesus would be in Galilee. Understandably, the women were bewildered and terrified at the news. Many scholars believe that Mark concludes with verse eight. If so, the story ends abruptly as if to say, “now what?” The early believers knew the rest of the story about how Jesus appeared to many after his resurrection. Perhaps Mark it this way to indicate that the story continues through the followers of Jesus.
How do you respond to the message of the resurrection? Every time a new year starts, it is an opportunity for new beginnings. The resurrection of Jesus must have seemed that way to the followers of Jesus. After that, everything changed. Jesus ascended back to heaven and left the work of spreading the good news of the kingdom of God to his followers. Like them, it is our turn. We now are entrusted with the message of the love of God through Jesus Christ. We now are his hands and feet, serving a world that desperately needs healing, love and forgiveness.
You are writing your personal chapter on the timeline that is 2014. What will you do differently this year to influence your corner of the world with the good news about Jesus?