“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothes as white as snow…But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said’…And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.” (Matthew 28:1-9)

Finally, these same grieving women, who on Friday could not envision what awaited them this Sunday morning, received the news of greatest joy! Now, they truly had a reason to celebrate. And as they met the risen Lord on their way to proclaim this great news to His disciples, He gave them but one command, “Rejoice!” And how did they respond? They held their precious Savior by the feet and worshiped Him.

And these women, the first eyewitnesses of His resurrection, were not the only ones rejoicing. Our Lord Yeshua was rejoicing too! And He wants US to rejoice with all of them who were filled with great joy on that first Resurrection Day. Hebrews 12:1-2 says,

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

This is something to shout about! This is what fills the hearts of the believers with joy unspeakable and full of glory. This is what should fill your holiday celebration with rejoicing—more than all the singing and gifts and food and fellowship—for this is the whole reason that Jesus came to earth in the first place—to conquer death, Hell and the grave so we could live with Him forevermore. And His same command to those women resonates through the ages to YOU, and to me and to all who will come and embrace Him as their Savior…

“Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

May you be filled with joy and peace and comfort as you cling to Jesus’ feet and worship Him this season.

The post A Reason to Celebrate appeared first on Rock of Revelation.

“That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.”

Jesus was crucified on the greatest of all the Jewish holidays—Passover. Everyone in Jerusalem was in eager anticipation of the feast that would begin that evening. Families and neighbors would gather for a huge, special meal and a night of teachings, followed by a day of peace and rest. These women should have been bustling around their house preparing food and setting out their best tableware and making nice decorations. But they dropped all their plans and ran to stand in solidarity by their Lord’s cross. They accompanied His body to the tomb and watched them seal the grave. Only then did they return home, not to finish their holiday preparations, but instead to grind spices and fragrant oils mingled with their tears, while all the country was celebrating with joy around them. And the Sabbath was not a peaceful day of rest, but the longest day of waiting for them to be able to go and anoint their Lord’s body with the spices they had prepared. They couldn’t envision the true joy that awaited them in the next two mornings.

Why am I telling you this? Because many people are gearing up for celebrating Passover and Resurrection Day with family, friends and neighbors. There will be Seder meals, sunrise services, pageants and cantatas, and fun activities for children. But there are also those who are hurting or mourning loss right now, who hear the sounds of celebrating all around them but can’t seem to envision the joy that awaits them. Take notice of those you meet whose holiday is mingled with tears. Share a loving arm (or shoulder to cry on) and help them see that we don’t have to mourn long because Jesus has already won the victory over all our troubles if we will yield them all to Him.

“Sorrow may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

May you be filled with the joy and peace of the Lord as you celebrate His resurrection power this season and all year long!

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