Where There Is Life, There Is Hope

“The Angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just he said…” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’” 
Matthew 28:5-6 & 8-10

Still reeling from the events of Thursday night and Friday, the friends, followers, disciples of Jesus were hold up together. They were grieving the loss of the one they were so certain was the Messiah. Wondering about what was next. Perhaps feeling like all hope was lost – dead and buried with their friend, teacher, master. Then something amazing happened.    

In the still and quiet of the early morning, some of the women went to the tomb to in some way be closer to Him. Some of the Gospels say the women went to finish taking care of His body properly after the hasty burial on Friday. Whatever the reason that’s where this week’s passage comes into play. As they are arriving in the garden with the tomb, the earth shakes as an angel of the Lord arrives, scaring the you know what out of the Roman soldiers assigned to guard the tomb. After rolling the stone out of the way the angel takes a seat and speaks to the women. The angel first tells them: “Do not be afraid” and then explains that Jesus isn’t there, “remember He told you all that he would rise” and so he has. After hearing the angel and his instruction to go tell the others – they take off in a hurry only to bump into someone as they go.

I wonder what that scene was really like. Were they so afraid and overwhelmed with joy at the same time that they weren’t paying attention to where they were going and almost run Him over? Did they make quick apologies and hope to continue on their way? Then the stranger they had run into spoke and they instantly recognized Him, fell at His feet and worshiped Him. If hope had started building with the words from the angel – seeing Him, hearing Him must of brought that hope roaring back to fullness. Where there is life, there is hope.  

Under the snows of winter, rests the hope of spring. Beyond the storm clouds and waves, lies the hope of calm, smooth sailing. In the midst of the things that bring us despair and hopelessness – sin, selfishness, suffering – there is a living Savior who understands and brings the hope of forgiveness, selflessness and healing. Where there is life there is hope and HE lives! 

No matter what the circumstances of your life are at this moment – listen for His voice, it is filled with life and it carries hope that will see you through till eternity and beyond.

A Prayer
Father – Thank you for the hope we have because Your Son still lives. In this fallen world it can be so easy for fear, despair and hopelessness to settle into our minds and hearts. Remind us through Your creation and by the gentle voice of your Spirit, that there is hope enough to fill us, no matter what we are facing. Hope enough to drive out fear and despair. Help us to let the hope that we who believe have shine through to those who need a dose of Your hope too. In the name of Jesus, because He lives there is hope – Amen.