S) "6 And he *said to them, 'Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, "He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you."' 8 They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid."
Mark 16:6-8 (NASB)
O) Hallelujah for the empty tomb! These are the words of the angel of the Lord, who waited for Mary and Martha and Salome in the empty tomb of Jesus. He tells them straight off, not to be amazed. This is not so much an encouragement, I think, as it is actually a rebuke. They were amazed, but as the angel said later, everything happened just as Jesus told them it would. It's also noteworthy that when Jesus returned, to reveal Himself as risen, He went to Galilee. He was returning to the roots of where His ministry began. This brought everything full circle.
A) The main application I see in this, is that I should not be surprised when God does what He said He will do! I should be awestruck, I think. I should marvel at His grace and mercy, at His righteousness and holiness, but I shouldn't really be surprised. God tells me all about His wonderful character throughout the Bible. When His fingerprints are on something, when there is a miracle at hand, I should be thankful but never actually surprised. I might even be dumbstruck by the revelation of His glory, but I shouldn't really be amazed in the sense that I am incredulous. There are many words that have changed meanings, subtly, throughout time. But it occurred to me recently that there is a word I never really want to use with God, even though its literal origins aren't really part of its contemporary definition. I don't think I should ever really describe God as "incredible." If there was ever a word to describe God, it should be "credible," because He does exactly as He says He will do.
P) Father, You are wonderful, glorious, and overwhelming. You are never incredible, though. You do exactly as You say You will do. You are faithful, true, and dependable. Help me to use discipline in the words I use when describing You. I want to be careful with my words. Help me to also, and more importantly, believe every single word You have spoken! When I read the Bible, open my eyes and ears to know who You are, and what You are saying. Help me to understand with deeper wisdom, so that I am not missing any part of what You are trying to do in me, for me, and with me. Be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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