And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him. Matthew 28:9
Word that Uncle Charlie had died in a mine accident spread throughout the community, and everybody was deeply saddened. He was a favourite of everybody, well liked and highly respected, and it seemed impossible that a man of such popularity and stature could be gone. It turned out the report was premature, and Charlie was discovered alive and well, sending the community into rejoicing. A big welcoming party was organized for his return home, and when he arrived, everybody was there to celebrate. Charlie received hugs and kisses from the women, warm handshakes from all the men, and loud cheers from the children. Charlie was almost overwhelmed by the outpouring of joy over his return from what everybody thought was a coal miner’s grave. What happened to him is similar to the outpouring of joy over the reappearance of the Lord Jesus after His resurrection.
The women who had gone to the sepulchre had received the news from the angel that Jesus was alive. They hoped the message was true, although there must have been some scepticism in their hearts. But when they saw the Lord Himself, they were filled with rejoicing. They had long been faithful to His cause, and had ministered to Him as He carried out His work during the months leading up to His crucifixion. It was fitting that those women should be the first to see Him alive, and it was typical of their devotion that they would fall before Him in worship. Many others saw the Lord Jesus on several occasions since that first appearance, including the 500 who saw Him on one occasion (1 Corinthians 15:6). No doubt they were all filled with joy and worship, as the magnitude of the resurrection gripped them. It should continue to grip us today.
Leaders and originators of the religions of the world and the cults are all dead. Despite their grand promises and their fanatical writings, these men have failed to prove that they were anything more than mortal sinners. But death could not hold the Lord Jesus as He proved His power over that king of terrors. In everlasting victory, He lives in the power of an endless life, and freely shares that life with all who will accept Him as Saviour and Lord.
Does the reality of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus give you a thrill today? Does it cause you to worship Him? -Jim MacIntosh