The One When the Stone was Rolled Away

Matthew 28:2 "Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from Heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it."

Let's just stop and take this all in for a second. An angel popped down and rolled the stone away and sat there looking at everyone around... "Oh hey guys! Don't be scared. I know I look like lightning and all, but don't be scared. Here's the thing, you are looking for Jesus but He isn't here! He has risen from the dead just like He said He would. I rolled this here stone away, but not because I needed to let Jesus out. He has already risen. He's not here. I rolled this stone away so you could see. So you could come in and see. So you could be welcomed in. Jesus is actually over yonder in Galilee. Go see Him there!" (summary of Matthew 28:3-7)

Jesus suffered a horrid, humiliating death on the cross for us. He was also resurrected and restored for us. After three days - He got back up. He rose from death. His body was restored. He didn't stop there. He went a step further and rolled the stone away inviting us into Him. Inviting us in to see His resurrection was real. He loves us so much that He aches for you and me to come to Him and join Him through this life on Earth. We just have to give the first Yes. Yes Lord. I see You, I hear You, I'm listening. Jesus gave absolutely everything so we could live eternally with Him. Thank you God - just - thank you. I owe God my life. He's given it all for me. I repeatedly give Jesus all my heart daily. I pray and surrender myself every morning. Jesus you have all of me, every piece of my heart. Search me, break me, send me - every single day. I pray every day that Jesus breaks my heart for the things that break His and that He sends compassion, empathy, love, and forgiveness for others ahead of me into my day.

He wants ALL of our hearts. Not half of our hearts or a portion, he wants ALL of our hearts. He invited us in with a wide open door. He opened the tomb. He sent an angel to roll the stone aside and open the doorway. I think of all this and feel such overwhelming love. I can't help but keep saying yes Lord. Yes, I'll love. Yes, I'll surrender. Yes, I'll go wherever you lead. God's grace and strength is sufficient in life through any and all things that may lie ahead.

I have failed so many times in life and I know I will again, but each and every time I get back up and the stone is still rolled away and Jesus still invites me in. He stands there with open arms every time. No matter what we may be going through or where we are in our lives, Jesus loves you the same. He will never stop loving you and will never give up on you so we need to stop giving up on ourselves. It's so important to not give up and to get back up when we fumble. Jesus is with you in everything the moment you first say yes to Him. Surrender, let go, and let God do what He wants to do in and through our lives. It is so worth it.