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Friday, April 10, 2009

I've Just Seen Jesus


The weight of that day was more than I could bear. I got up before the sun. The other Mary was tapping at the door early, but it felt late for the night was long. I couldn’t shut my eyes. When I did I could see Him hanging there, blood dripping from His head. Every time I closed my eyes I could feel His agony.



I wanted to lift Him off of there and run. There was plenty of time that afternoon to imagine the scenario. I would push the cross until it fell over. If it was stuck, there were plenty of His beloved to help me. John would pry out the nails. I wanted it to be a bad dream, but this nightmare was real.



My mind couldn’t comprehend the meaning. Why did He have to endure such humiliation and pain? He was the kindest person I knew. He was different from any other man. Something about the way He looked at me. He looked through me, like He knew my heart. And I believe He did, too.



We rushed, Mary and I, into the dawn. I pulled my shawl tight, not sure if my chill was from sorrow or the cool morning air. A reed from the basket dug into my hand as I walked, but I dared not loosen my grip. The spices and perfumes were costly. Thankfully, I had taken the time to wrap the jars, so they were protected during the brisk walk.



With just a hint of the sun’s rise, we arrived at the burial place. My heart fell as we approached the tomb. I feared someone else arrived first for the stone at the entrance was rolled completely away. No sooner than I stopped, I caught a flash of light above the stone. I raised my eyes afraid and uncertain. Mary beside me was silent.



I can never fully describe what we saw that day. An angelic being sat on top of the massive stone. His clothes were glowing white, and I had to half shut my eyes to look directly at him. Then he spoke to us, knowing exactly why we were there. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matt. 28:6 NIV) I walked to the entrance of the tomb in disbelief. Had He really done it? My answer was inside. It was empty. The tomb was empty, only grave clothes left behind. The angel told us to return to Christ’s disciples to tell them the news.



At first my feet wouldn’t move. The other Mary gave me a little shove on the back. “Go quick,” she said. We ran. I moved the basket up my arm so I could run faster. And then there He was. My Lord. One minute we were running, the next we were staring Him in the face. He was smiling. Smiling. Like He hadn’t been hanging on that cross just days before. For a second I was frozen in my spot. Then Mary moved beside me, and I came out of my trance to fall at His feet. I took one foot and Mary the other.



“This just can’t be,” I remember thinking until I opened my eyes and saw the hole in the foot just below my face. It really was my Lord. He can do anything! I raised my head to see His face, and I knew. Those eyes. His eyes pierced through my soul and the hair stood up on the back of my neck. I was looking at the Son of God.



We came straight here to inform you. He told us to come and find you and tell you the good news. He is alive! Just as He said, He came back from the grave. He is going ahead to meet you in Galilee. Don’t just stand there. Run! Christ, our Lord lives! Go and meet Him. He is waiting!



Go into all the world and preach the good news… Mark 16:15 NIV



Visit Carol at sheep to the right!

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6 Comments:

Blogger Denise said...

This was very precious, bless you.

April 10, 2009 at 2:56 AM  
Blogger Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boys said...

Wonderful post.

April 10, 2009 at 10:34 AM  
Blogger Kimberly said...

Oh, Carol!
I love how you brought this moment to life...so vivid, so beautiful. (hmmmm...have you ever thought about writing books?) ;)

Oh, how I long for the day to look upon His face!

Love to you, precious friend! Thanking God for how He uses you!
:) K

April 10, 2009 at 12:36 PM  
Blogger Lisajo said...

Beautifully written, Carol!

April 10, 2009 at 1:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you Carol. Such precious imagery. Very descriptive. Excellent writing!

Debra

April 10, 2009 at 9:44 PM  
Blogger you gotta wonder said...

That was so powerful. I'm reading this Saturday morning, at the end of Holy Week. Last night we walked the stations of the cross and attended a Good Friday service. Even knowing the good news of his resurrection I was overwhelmed with grief and joy as I stepped through the betrayal and pain.

Praise God for the women who spread His Word! What a great post. Blessings!

April 11, 2009 at 8:10 AM  

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