Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. Mark 16:2-4

They thought it was over.

Jesus, Messiah, Savior of the world was dead.

He was their miracle, hope and new beginning.

They thought He was going to change everything, then watched Him die a bloody, brutal death.

No question, it was over.

Jesus is gone and hope died with Him.

They wait for Sabbath to end and finally, morning comes.

…they saw the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.

Mary and her companions are anxious, worried.

They want to prepare Jesus’ body but there’s a problem.

An obstacle.

An enormous, heavy rock between them and Jesus.

A rock that’s too big to move.

As they get closer to the tomb, Mary, face creased with worry asks, “Who will roll the stone away?”

The rock is so much bigger than we are.

Too big to move.

Anxious thoughts don’t stop them.

They keep walking toward Jesus.

Steps of faith fueled by love.

No way is Jesus rotting like a dog – we will prepare His body and honor Him.

The women arrive to find the rock already rolled away.

God went before them.

He did what they could never do.

The women thought the mission was to anoint the dead.

Instead, they announce resurrection.

Boulder removed.

Body gone.

Dead now living.

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

He doesn’t lie.

He never changes.

He goes before me.

He still walks with those stepping out in uncertain certainty.

Those who step toward Jesus in spite of obstacles and doubt.

Rock removal and resurrection are God’s specialty.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

He is the good shepherd who lay down His life.

He never leaves or forsakes.

He upholds with a righteous, right Hand.

He promises to deliver for glory and good.

He looses bands of wickedness and undoes burdens.

He breaks yokes and sets captives free.

Broken hearts bound.

Mercy everlasting.

Condemned no more.

Love that never fails.

He goes before me, directs my path.

Mountains moved, seas parted – unmovable moved.

Dark nights lead to new days.

Boulders transform to pebbles, sand.

Locust devastation, replaced, repaid.

I can walk with confidence.

The Lord is my fortress.

The rock I fear has already been rolled away.