[Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome] were saying to one another, “whowill roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”Mark 16: 3
Obviously, these women were not thinking clearly. They had brought spices to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body—a common practice at this time—but something suddenly dawned on them. After they had hauled a heavy load of spice, and after they were already more than halfway to the tomb, it hit them. Who’s going to let us in? Who’s going roll that stone away? But that’s what death does to us. When death comes to town, we don’t think straight.
When they finally got to the tomb, there was no body to anoint. It scared them—they were astonished and terrified, and they didn’t tell anyone about it. That’s not very “Easter-y,” is it? The women are supposed to be happy, singing a tune—they shouldn’t be frightened. But that’s what death does to us. That’s why we don’t like funeral homes. We don’t know how to act, or what to say.
To compound their astonishment an angel speaks to them, informing them that “Jesus has risen! He is not here.” The women had come to the tomb looking for death, and when death wasn’t there, they were disappointed.
But before we feel superior, did they act any differently than we would? After all, they had already accepted death. They were confused; they couldn’t think straight. But they were there. With their own eyes, they watched Jesus suffer and die on the cross just as those big, tough, male disciples had, but when the chips were down, those same tough men turned and ran away. Yet the women stayed, and they could tell you what happened exactly, to the last detail. Jesus died and was buried, and that was that. They made plans to continue with their lives. Sound’s like you and me, doesn’t it?
The women may have been confused, but God was not, not in the least. Easter shows that death has taken a holiday, and that our future is life, and hope, and peace, and joy. So, we Christians need to stop getting used to death and start getting used to life, because that’s what we will be doing together for eternity—living. God is in the life-giving business.
So why are we so confused and afraid? Are you facing challenges in your life? What empty tomb are you staring into? Remember: Jesus rose for you. He defeated death for you. He earned life that never ends for you. Instead of finding death in our tomb, we find life. That’s what Easter is all about. Just as the angel said, “He has risen! He is not here.”
At LBTC we are committed to making the saving Word of God available to all persons everywhere in the language of their hearts. We want Easter peace and joy, through the risen Christ, to course through the veins of people around the world. Martin and Joan Weber will be returning to Cameroon in June to continue their work in the Kwanja and Dowayo languages, particularly with the Kwanja lectionaries, the first volume of which was published in February 2016. Also, the Webers are shepherding the Bible House project (see the brochure with this mailing) that will serve multiple translation teams in Ngaoundéré, Cameroon. Rev. Mike and Kara Kuhn are working among the Nizaa people of northern Cameroon, and recently began construction of a literacy centre to serve the needs of those who need to learn read and write in their heart language. Eshinee and Rob Veith are making good progress on translation and literacy projects among the Shiyeyi and Shekgaligari people of Botswana. These servants work tirelessly to help bring the Word of God to some of the 300 million people who have no Bible translated into their language. These are small steps, but as God blesses us, we are helping to move completion of the global task of Bible translation a little closer.
Please consider supporting our work with your gifts of treasure and prayer. If you would like specific information about our missionaries and their projects, you can find that at or you can email us at .
May the Lord bless and keep you as His own, in His Easter joy, always.
From: the missionaries and staff of LBTC.