In the days following Easter Sunday, we have time to reflect on the meaning of it all. In Mark’s gospel in particular, we get a strong sense of the fear surrounding this event. In verse 8 it says that the women were trembling and bewildered, even after their encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus.
If we are honest, maybe we can identify with these feelings. The women who went to the tomb were taking spices to anoint the body, and were grieving and mournful. Yet when they arrived, the stone had been rolled away, and an angel spoke to them, saying that Jesus had risen, and had gone ahead of them into Galilee. They were questioning and unsure and scared. What was going on?
In life, we are perhaps more fearful than we care to admit. We can be scared about stuff from the past catching up with us- wrestling with guilt and shame. Or we might be anxious about what the future might bring- whether waiting for test results, or news about a loved one. And even in the present, we can catastophise about a monster under the bed, or a ringing phone. Life is harsh just now, there is so much complexity and uncertainty. How can we trust in God still being with His people? With us.
In this account, Mark emphasises that the women were bewildered and trembling. They were astounded that the tomb was empty, and an angel had spoken to them. They were on shock. What could this mean? Could it possibly be true? They leave to tell the others, and to travel to Galilee to find out for themselves.
I remember the title of a book by Susan Jeffers ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway.’ I thought it was such a brilliant title. It is acknowledging that it is natural to be scared sometimes. It happens to all of us. What is important is to not let that fear paralyse you, and stop you from doing things. Sometimes you acknowledge that you are worried or anxious or nervous, even when you know it is the right thing, but then can ask God to give you the courage to do it anyway. We learn to trust, like Abram and Sarai leaving home to go to a new land, or Ruth being loyal to her mother in law Naomi, or Daniel in the lion’s den. Whatever our calling, in spite of our fears, may God give us courage to trust Him and to travel in a new direction, for He is faithful.
God of all time and space, when life takes an unexpected turn, keep us focussed on You. Like the women at the tomb, even when we are confused and uncertain, may we obey Your voice. Risen Lord, you told your followers not to be afraid. You even said ‘ Peace be with you.’ Lord Jesus, our hearts are thumping, we are weak at the knees, we are distraught at all that could go wrong. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, may our faith be greater than our fear, and may we trust Your loving purposes. And so help us to take that next step, in Your Risen power we ask this, Amen.
An umbrella of healing love 