The Rolling Stone - April 17,
2001
One of the most remarkable events in all history has
to be when God's angel rolled the stone from the tomb's
entrance that first Easter morning. I'm sure you've seen
the event portrayed in movies or Easter programs many
times, but did you ever stop to wonder why? Did the angel
really have to move the stone so Jesus could get out of
the tomb?
When Jesus met with the men on the road to Emmaus in
Luke 24, He disappeared right before their eyes. When
Jesus showed himself to Thomas and the disciples in John
20, he appeared inside a room with all the doors locked.
Jesus' new resurrected body obviously didn't have the
limitations our earthly bodies have. He could have passed
right through the wall of the tomb without the help of
anyone. If the angel didn't need to roll the stone away
so Jesus could get out, he must have done it so we could
get in. When Mary, Mary and Salome went to anoint Jesus
body in Mark 16, they questioned among themselves who
would move the stone so they could enter the tomb. When
John and Peter arrived at the scene in John 20, Peter was
able to go inside and see the empty graveclothes.
I believe that this is another example of God going
above and beyond what is required to meet our needs. God
knew that an unopened tomb would be an obstacle for some.
We need to not just hear that Jesus was raised from the
dead, we need to see through the eyes of Peter that His
tomb is truly empty. Jesus isn't there anymore. God gave
us ample proof so we can make an intelligent and informed
decision about following Him. The faith that God requires
of us isn't "blind faith" but faith based on fact. It is
true that God expects us to have faith in Him and trust
in things we can't see, but He gives us a Bible full of
examples of His character. He doesn't ask us to have
faith in a stranger, but in a friend with a
well-documented track record.
The next time you thank God for hope personified in a
resurrected Savior, take a moment to thank Him also for
proof provided with a rolling stone.
