Easter: Heaven KnowsSample

Heaven Knows How to Motivate Us

It was a dark and somber day, unlike any other. The apostles and other disciples of Jesus, men and women at the foot of the cross, had watched their beloved Teacher, Friend, and Savior be beaten, mocked, and crucified. They had witnessed His last breath as He cried out, ”It is finished.” They watched as His lifeless body was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. They were filled with fear, grief, and confusion.

But on the third day, everything changed. The women who had gone to the tomb early in the morning found that the stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty. An angel appeared to them and said, ”Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead.’”

The women were filled with fear and great joy. They ran to share the astonishing news. As they were running, Jesus Himself appeared to them. They fell at His feet and worshiped Him. What a moment that must have been! These disciples had watched Jesus die; now, He was standing before them, alive and well. And He was going ahead of them to Galilee, where they would see Him again.

I can only imagine the relief and comfort that must have flooded their hearts. They had been filled with fear and uncertainty, but now they knew that Jesus was alive and would go ahead of them. That’s the same comfort that we can have today. We may not know what the future holds, but we can be sure that Jesus is going ahead of us into every difficult conversation, every trial, every challenge. He knows what’s coming, has already prepared the way,, and will be with us at every step. As Psalm 139 says, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there, your hand will guide me. Your right hand will hold me fast." So, let’s take heart, be encouraged, and follow Him.