1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
We can certainly learn a lot from the Magdalene and the other Mary on how to obtain sweet fellowship with the Lord Jesus. They had known firsthand the thrill of His presence and were ever seeking to express their love to Christ. Surely, when we love someone we desire to be with them.
We first discover that they sought the Savior early – just at dawn. I know, I know, we can have our quiet times any time of day but there is something about meeting with the Lord Jesus first thing. It’s a matter of priority. The heart that is fitted for communion with the Master is a hungering heart - one that thirsts after the Living Water. The Prophet Jeremiah tells us:
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:13 (NIV)
“No one has ever lost out by excessive devotion to Christ.” H. A. Ironside
Next we discover these ladies seeking Jesus with great boldness. His guys had fled the sepulcher trembling, but Mary Magdalene, we are told, stood at the tomb. She pressed on while others left. No wonder. She wanted to be as close to the Savior as she could. She, of whom, Scripture states, had seven demons cast out by the Lord Jesus did not want to go back to Hell in the land of the living, she had experienced freedom and she was not willing to return to bondage. Magdalene had been brought out of that slimy pit of mud and mire and had been delivered to a place where the air was clean and crisp, the enemy defeated and the view magnificent. It was a glorious freedom, the kind only Christ can bring. Therefore, she pressed on while others fled. Nothing should hold us back in desiring communion with Jesus. It does us well to remember to continually be about practicing the presence of our Savior. He is always with us.
“I make it my priority to persevere in His holy presence, wherein I maintain a simple attention and a fond regard for God.” Brother Lawrence
I am reminded of Jesus’ Words in John:
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:26 (NIV)
The Prophet Isaiah also tells us:
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“The Holy Spirit cannot be located as a guest in a house. He invades everything.” Oswald Chambers
Magdalene also sought Jesus faithfully. Some find it difficult to stand by a living Savior yet we discover her standing by a “dead” one. We must seek after Christ remaining faithful though all others forsake and fail Him. Note further that she sought Jesus earnestly. She stood weeping at the tomb – nothing moves our Savior’s compassion like the tears of His saints. These tears took Him captive and eventually brought Him forth to show Himself to her. Lastly, she sought Jesus only. She was a one thing person. Her passionate search was for the Lord alone. No divided heart or interests here. Her heart had cast out all rivals. She appeared not to even be moved by the angelic visit rather turned her back from them and seeking only the Lord.
“Holiness is not a feeling – it is the end product of obedience. Purity is not a gift – it is the result of repentance and serious pursuit of God.” Frances J. Roberts
Next, we are told of a violent earthquake and an angel of the Lord coming down from heaven. He rolled back the stone from the tomb and sat upon it defying all the powers of hell. He sat as a guard frightening away the enemy and expecting the women - ready to give them an account of the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is a source of joy for His friends yet a source of terror and confusion for His enemies.
“Who else has the answer to the frailty of life, the reality of death and the certainty of judgment than Jesus, who by His death destroyed him who holds the power of death and frees those whose lives are enslaved by the fear of death?” Alistair Begg
“We sometimes seem to forget that what God takes He takes in fire; and that the only way to the resurrection life and the ascension mount is the way of the garden, the cross, and the grave. Think not, O soul of man, that Abraham’s was a unique and solitary experience. It is simply a specimen and pattern of God’s dealings with all souls who are prepared to obey Him at whatever cost. After thou hast patiently endured, thou shalt receive the promise. The moment of supreme sacrifice shall be the moment of supreme and rapturous blessing. God’s river, which is full of water, shall burst its banks, and pour upon thee a tide of wealth and grace. There is nothing, indeed, which God will not do for a man who dares to step out upon what seems to be the mist; though as he puts down his foot he finds a rock beneath him.” F. B. Meyer