Recognizing the Glory

Imagine the shock of an empty tomb, only to be greeted by giant men in gleaming white…  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary encountered this very greeting when they went to the tomb in hope of seeing where the Savior lay.  An angel went on to inform the faithful women that Jesus had risen and was not there, and that He was going ahead of them into Galilee.  “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 worshiped Him.” – (Matthew 28:8-9)

 

 

From fear to joy, to shock, then at last, overwhelmed with adoration for the Savior upon seeing Him face-to-face, the Marys’ had quite an eventful set of encounters.  How do we respond when we find ourselves in the presence of His greatness and His grace?  God with us, is everywhere.  In the eyes of a new baby, in the kindness of a stranger, in the heart of our worship when we gather together; He is easy to recognize if we simply slow down and allow our hearts to gaze upon all of the good that He has provided around us.  His glory radiates from His creation.  May we take time to pause and recognize the glory of God that surrounds us, and give proper praise to He who deserves all of our worship today.

 

 

The glory of God,

so much to behold;

may hearts recognize,

the good that unfolds.

All of creation,

speaks of His glory;

and each of us have,

part in the story.

May we each respond,

in worshipful praise;

to the heart of Christ,

for all of our days.

Let our hearts embrace,

and our minds receive;

all that He has done,

by faith, we believe.

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to make the way for us to come to know and understand who You are.  Thank You that we may embrace all that You are, as we are welcomed and received by You, as we are viewed through the filter of Your Son.  Thank You Jesus, for living, loving, dying and rising so that we may live victoriously in You.  Forgive us for not recognizing the remarkable evidence of Your presence that is all around us, and help us to embrace all that You provide.  Teach us to trust You more so that we may live and love as You did.  Help us to love all those whom surround us, and may many come into a saving relationship with You as they recognize Your goodness and grace.  Be glorified O God, as we give You glory and praise for all of our days.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

 

Hope in an Empty Tomb

On a morning much like this, as darkness gave way to the promised light of the dawn of a new day, the mourning Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, made their way toward the tomb. Imagine their initial thoughts as they found the colossal stone rolled away. Who had disturbed their Savior’s final resting space? Why would someone do such a thing? Then, to be greeted by an angel that looked like lightning, with clothes shining as white as snow… First, fear, followed by pure elation at the joy in knowing that Jesus had risen from the grave. Not even death could hold Him!

 

Today, we remember our Savior’s sacrifice and His mighty power that could not be defeated, even by death on a cross. That very same power that raised Jesus from the dead, is alive and available for all who believe. If we come to HIm and place our trust in the King of Kings, we too, can overcome eternal death, and will have hope for today and life everlasting.

 

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” – (Psalm 31:24)

 

When all was still,

light began to dawn;

the earth did shake,

at the morning’s song.

The stone was rolled,

the guards froze in fear;

angels appeared,

and faithful drew near.

Though He foretold,

that He’d third day rise;

they were amazed,

at this Hope alive.

Not even death,

could defeat the Lord;

He’d overcome,

showed how true His word.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son into the world to offer the way for us to be saved. Jesus, thank You for suffering for our sake, and conquering what we never could, so that we can have life in You. Forgive us for taking lightly the magnitude of Your sacrifice, and help us to reflect and recognize just how great Your love is for each of us, individually. May we receive what You are offering, and extend Your love and grace to all those around us. Let our words and deeds speak volumes of Who You are, and show many the way to a relationship with You. May those who are looking come to find You today. Be exalted in everything, Lord Jesus! He is risen, indeed. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things.  Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19