Freedom. They had cried for it. They had prayed for it. God sent them a rescuer and led them from slavery in Egypt to freedom as a people. They rejoiced in their freedom… until uncertainty struck. Moses went up the mountain to meet with and get direction from God. Days went by. Suddenly, freedom felt a little unstable. The people of Israel, who had begged for freedom, now returned to their worship of idols. They fashioned a golden calf and said, “This is the god who led us out of Egypt.” Their bodies were living in freedom, but their minds were still bound to Egypt (Exodus 32:1-24). They said they wanted freedom, but when the unknown was looming, they ran to what was familiar… what made sense. A lot like the Garden of Eden. A lot like me. What about you?
Contrast that with the women after the crucifixion. They had seen Jesus brutally beaten, nailed to a cross, and ridiculed. They had watched Him take His last breath and sat in agony with the other disciples as they reeled in the staggering weight of it all. What had happened? They had been walking in freedom. They had seen power and felt the Presence like never before! It was liberty and life like they had never known. Now the unthinkable had happened. The darkest night of the soul. If Jesus was dead… what would become of them? What would become of the Kingdom He had promised?
However, they didn’t run to the known or to what made sense. While it was still dark (John), they went to see the tomb (Matthew). Against all hope, they wanted to be where Jesus was, to serve His body even if it was lifeless, breathless… They moved toward Jesus.
And what was their reward? “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” the angel(s) asked! (Not sure about you, but I often wonder if angels enjoy these little moments of reminding the created image that we were formed from dust.) Because they moved in Jesus’ direction, because He was the object of their hearts, these women received the great fear and wonder (scripture says) of being the first humans to know that their Savior had conquered death! What a treasure!
So what about me? What about you? When uncertainty strikes and the dark nights of the soul linger into a wilderness where answers are slow to come, will we turn to what brought comfort in bondage? Or will we turn our eyes upon Jesus and let the hope of resurrection rule our days, our choices, our waiting, and our wonder?
There is more my friend. You were created to live a life of calling.
In grace and gratitude,
Tammi