When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. Mark 16:2-4 NIV.
What’s the biggest problem standing in your way from accomplishing what you desire to do? Sometimes we wait for the obstacle to be removed before we start. Sometimes we never take the necessary steps to begin a project because there appears to be too many hurdles to overcome. Yet our passage today encourages us to begin with what we have purposed in our hearts even before every problem is solved.
The Preparation. These ladies were bringing spices to complete the burial preparation for Jesus’ body after the crucifixion. We are not sure if they bought them in the market that morning or if they already had spices. They did, however, coordinate who was bringing which spice and how much of it to bring. It was customary to place the spices in the tomb and on the body to help with the smell of the decomposing body
The Dedication. They also started their journey to the tomb without having all questions answered. Not one male disciple or a son was present who would have been helpful to roll the stone away. Nor did they have authorization for the soldiers to roll the stone back so they could add their spices. But they went to the tomb.
Overcoming Discouragement to push forward. Talking about difficult circumstances can cause discouragement. Some have turned back and some have quit their journey altogether because of hopeless dialogue. How many have stopped by getting stuck on the “what if we can’t…” question? Yet these women continued to the tomb with no knowledge of how to remove the stone. It was a true fact that the stone was large. Some believe the stone to be in the shape of a wheel that sits in a track or sloped ramp. Several men would roll the stone down the ramp to gain access to the tomb. This procedure truly was difficult, but the women continued to the tomb to perform their ritual. Even though they discussed and had no answer about how the stone would be removed, they did not turn back.
Our Part, God’s Part. Prior to making it to the tomb, the stone was pushed over. Not up the ramp, but falling flat out from the tomb. One gospel records an angel siting on the stone at the tomb, while Mark records the angel inside the tomb. Regardless, the stone was removed and Jesus had risen from the dead. The women followed their passion, God made provision.
Adjustments. Now these ladies were partakers of a new mission. They were the first witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. They started their day with one mission in mind, but God had other plans. Look what they would have missed if they had stayed home until all of the details were figured out.
The Blessing of Moving Forward. Take a moment to remember the last word that God spoke to you. Then take the steps necessary to complete the task. Be watching, for the journey may have a very different ending than what you were expecting.. You may encounter your stone removed, and a whole new purpose to steward. Plan well, but don’t remain idle. Jesus commanded movement…He said “Go”. And through the presence of the Holy Spirit, He will be with you always.
May you be blessed to overcome your stress and paralysis to accomplish the desires in your heart, especially those which you believe are from God. May you have the privilege to testify how God is alive and moving stones out of the way in your life. May you daily experience His goodness and provision.
Blessings Love y’all