“…and the angel said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.'” Mark 16.16
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the guestroom of the mansion. Instead, they were given a space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, “Things aren’t always what they seem”. The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night’s rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel “How could you have let this happen!? The first man had everything, yet you helped him. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let their cow die.” The older angel replied, “Things aren’t always what they seem. When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn’t find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmer’s bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave her the cow instead. Things aren’t always what they seem.”
Death on a Roman cross was a horrible one. Six hours of sure horror. Now, in the tomb, at long last, Jesus was at rest! The long day of shame and torture was ended. The Son of God lay in quietude in Joseph’s tomb. His work was completed. His hands now folded in peace. Upon the very day of His death, three men, very different, had declared their faith in Christ: He who commanded the Roman Guard, He who had bore the cross of the Savior, and he, a lowly thief who had died on a cross next to him. But with His death, the hopes and dreams of his Disciples and closest followers lay lifeless on a cold, dead and dark rock-slab. They looked upon His closed eyelids, His hair matted with blood, His hands and feet with gaping, open wounds.
As yet, they were not conscious that Type had met Antitype. That an infinite sacrifice had been made, and that the Crucified One was the World’s Redeemer. “Things aren’t always what they seem!” On the first and second day, hosts of evil angels kept their watch, as the prince of darkness, laughed believing the Miracle Worker was dead and out of his way. But, ‘things aren’t always what they seem.’ But something dramatic happened – A mighty Angel of the Lord showed up and all others had to flee.
The disciples and the women looked in vain for Him who was dead, but made alive. Still today, people look in vain places for something or someone that can bring them hope and rest for their weary souls. The Resurrected Christ stands ready to bring healing to a wounded soul. Rest assured you solider of the cross, that the ‘great stones’ seemingly standing in your way, can also be rolled away by the all Sufficient One.
The Voice that cried from the cross, “It is finished”, was heard among the dead, and it pierced the walls of the sepulcher and summoned those who were asleep to arise and come to life. That same voice has the power to penetrate the tomb of your life, and resurrect you and your family from what holds you in darkness! At the Savior’s resurrection a few graves were opened, but at His second coming, all the precious dead shall hear his voice, and shall come forth to a glorious immortal life.
He is risen to save – be encouraged! He is risen to intercede – be comforted! He is risen to hold you in His arms of love and mercy, even though it appears the stone remains immovable. Tale heart dear friend – The Resurrection power of God still moves among us today! Happy Easter!
Meet the Author
Alan Bullock
Alan Bullock has a BA in Biblical Studies, a Master’s Degree in Biblical Counseling, and an earned Doctor of Theology. In addition, Alan is a Certified Pastor Counselor, a member of The International Association of Christian Counseling Professionals (IACCP), and also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).