Word@Work 208 - Mark 16:1-3
Published: Fri, 09/12/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 16:1-3 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 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?" (NIV)
The Sabbath, with its corpse-handling restrictions, had ended as the stars came out on the Saturday night. But practical safety demanded that the women wait until first light on Sunday before they could fulfil their desire to honour Jesus and anoint His body. Mary Magdalene and another Mary knew the location of the burial site; they were there when Joseph put Jesus' body into his own tomb. They saw the heavy millstone rolled down the stone slot to obstruct the entrance, and how the official seals were applied to prevent unauthorised opening.
Logic should have said, "We cannot get to the body of Jesus". But they carried spices to anoint His body. This was a women only expedition, and they knew that the stone was far too heavy for them to roll it up the inclined groove. And it was not until they were well on their way that they wondered which men might help them, despite knowing that there was a severe penalty for breaking the seals. But the powerful inner emotions of love for Jesus defied logical objections that morning. They had no idea that the Lord would task an angel to remove all obstacles, so that they could fulfil that Divine appointment.
Not every illogical urge is of God; perhaps most are not. But when the Almighty plans to use us in a unique way, there will be no logical precedent. Our relationship with Him is not driven down advertised tram tracks which enable us to predict the route, we simply have to follow Him. Unlike fleshly passions, every desire to be closer to Jesus has His own spiritual impetus linked with ours. Like Peter on the water, the impossibility becomes irrelevant as we respond to His call. This may not suit our 'must be in control' mindset, but we have to understand the principle (and agree it!) if we are to serve as true disciples of Jesus. So much for the theory ... the practical class starts today!
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank you for every desire You give me to worship and serve Jesus. Help me to trust Your leading so that I may express the love I have for You, despite apparent impossibilities. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The Sabbath, with its corpse-handling restrictions, had ended as the stars came out on the Saturday night. But practical safety demanded that the women wait until first light on Sunday before they could fulfil their desire to honour Jesus and anoint His body. Mary Magdalene and another Mary knew the location of the burial site; they were there when Joseph put Jesus' body into his own tomb. They saw the heavy millstone rolled down the stone slot to obstruct the entrance, and how the official seals were applied to prevent unauthorised opening.
Logic should have said, "We cannot get to the body of Jesus". But they carried spices to anoint His body. This was a women only expedition, and they knew that the stone was far too heavy for them to roll it up the inclined groove. And it was not until they were well on their way that they wondered which men might help them, despite knowing that there was a severe penalty for breaking the seals. But the powerful inner emotions of love for Jesus defied logical objections that morning. They had no idea that the Lord would task an angel to remove all obstacles, so that they could fulfil that Divine appointment.
Not every illogical urge is of God; perhaps most are not. But when the Almighty plans to use us in a unique way, there will be no logical precedent. Our relationship with Him is not driven down advertised tram tracks which enable us to predict the route, we simply have to follow Him. Unlike fleshly passions, every desire to be closer to Jesus has His own spiritual impetus linked with ours. Like Peter on the water, the impossibility becomes irrelevant as we respond to His call. This may not suit our 'must be in control' mindset, but we have to understand the principle (and agree it!) if we are to serve as true disciples of Jesus. So much for the theory ... the practical class starts today!
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank you for every desire You give me to worship and serve Jesus. Help me to trust Your leading so that I may express the love I have for You, despite apparent impossibilities. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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