What of the Lord?

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

 Fear you not, little warriors, what of the flock. The Lord our God keeps them safe wherever they are. Just because Jesus died on the cross to take away the sin of the world does not mean it is the end. See, it is just like a market-place deal. I do not know if you have ever seen traders when they come to town with their fine, fancy wares. But it is much the same thing. Sin had a price which demanded his life for which he paid. Then it is as though God said payment received, it is enough. To his followers he left behind, the loss of their teacher, guide, and friend left them feeling rather sad indeed. See, in order to be God, Jesus Christ would have to rise up. Else would he be just another man that has come and gone. I know, the text says the first day of the week. Some call it Saturday and some Sunday and others Monday. Regardless, Jesus was getting up again just as he said. One of his followers, known as Mary Magdalene, had been some real bad places in her life.

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Time and time again she had been there only for him to rescue her out. Yet here she was again going to another, this time of her Savior. They say that seeing is believing but here it’s only half the battle. Perhaps you don’t yet know that God keeps his people safe. Nor has he forgotten about them and gone away no matter what you think. Even if you hadn’t heard it, you will very soon. Mary Magdalene got there early to the tomb to find it empty and the stone gone. See, the tomb was where hopes and dreams had died. The chosen king himself was dead. Nothing was right in her world anymore. In her eyes it seemed final straw was everything just as it was without her Lord. It makes people do some strange things at times even for love. Was it not for love that he had sacrificed his life. Yet right when the devil whispered ‘that’s it, I win,’ God said ‘watch out; it’s me again.’

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

 Yes, the text also mentions John and Peter, one of whom was loved. When it comes on down to the kingdom of God though, he doesn’t play favorites. You know how when someone tells you something that’s too good to be and you don’t think it’s true. That is just how the disciples felt. He had promised that three days later he would rise again. Had the disciples but remembered, it might not have been a shock. Yet here they were and that was that. Notice the reactions of the two. One had fear that met up with faith and trust. See, God can be taken at his word. Even if you don’t yet know it’s still sort of worth a check.

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

 Faith and trust went on together then in the persons of Peter and John. John ran on ahead cause he really wanted to tell. Trust and Peter went on a little slower too, not because he didn’t believe but because it really wasn’t so. When trust and faith go together it’s hard to separate the two. Faith is trust at first that has had a little time to grow. Then too in case you had not heard, Peter once denied his Lord. Regardless, a grave is still a tomb though until God has come into the room. Maybe you have heard the gospel song that says “he’s alive, and he is risen, Heaven’s gates are open wide.” Perhaps you have not though just as these disciples did which is why we are here.

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

 Just as he promised the tomb was empty and now faith has really got to go. If seeing is believing then sight had come at last. The linen clothes they wrapped him in were just an empty shell. It meant everything to him then. The Lord he trusted would surely come for him again. So their situation be it ever bleak and bare, would soon meet up with the Lord. Then too the Son of God had gotten what he left. Death itself with the situation grim was but an empty memory to him. Sometimes little warriors, in this life down here below, you really got to know.