This week we've been focusing on the resurrection of Jesus, both in a physical sense and in the sense that He is alive in each one of us. Here's what we get to talk about today:
How did you respond on day 4 when you imagined yourself to be one of the women who came to Jesus' tomb on Sunday morning? What did you feel? What did you do?
How do you respond as a follower of Jesus now, knowing that His resurrection took place not only in that tomb, but also in your heart?
Ladies, this four week journey we've taken together has been incredible. I pray that you will all be at Crossroads tomorrow night where we can continue worshiping and sharing God's Word with each other as we prepare for the October Women's Encounter.
It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us FREE!
Overwhelming gratitude for my freedom in Christ!!!
ReplyDeleteI would drop down on my knees and weep for joy.
ReplyDeleteWhen I discovered He was not in the tomb, I probably would have thought- who could have done such a thing? As far as how I feel now- I am grateful every day that I am a dedicated follower of Christ, and that I have the Holy Spirit in me guiding me in the things I do and say. I am more determined than ever to share that with others so they might experience this joy and hope.
ReplyDeleteI would have felt disbelief, joy and peace that he was alive. Thankful every day that Jesus died for our sins. It is hard to fathom. Yet wondrous!
ReplyDeleteI wish that I knew exactly how I would have responded. I don't know whether I would have jumped for joy or fell to my knees! I know that I would have been overcome with joy, but also with anger. Not because He lives, but because of all of those who condemned my Savior! Knowing that He lives not only in the flesh, but also in my heart would have been amazing. I feel that amazement everyday and am so lucky to have the Lord living in me!
ReplyDeleteI would have been experiencing a wide variety of emotions from deep sadness over a loss, hurt and possibly desire revenge on who took Jesus's body. Then i would feel amazement and excitement when I found out that He had risen. I would have butterflies in my tummy when I would get to see Him again and then absolutely giddy to tell others about Him and His grace! This is how I need to respond daily, with a realization that Christ saved me and I want others to experience that same freedom. I want to exude so much joy that other people wonder how they can get that same joy.
ReplyDeleteRealizing Jesus is alive, I would have felt profound awe and holy fear at the power of God- my little human brain still has trouble taking in all that Jesus has/is doing for me. There are no words, just crazy, paralyzing awesomeness (your organs inside your body doing the jitterbug but your legs unable move except crumble to the ground) Ugh! I can't explain it!
ReplyDeleteWhen I imagine myself to be Mary Magdalene...The depth of loss that I am already feeling from having witnessed my savior's death would just make me numb. Like I'm living in a bad dream. And then to get to the tomb and find him missing...I imagine my stomach would be churning, my mind unable to grasp the reality of him not being there. Did I go to the wrong place? Was it all really a dream?
ReplyDeleteAnd then to hear him call my name, to turn and see him standing there ALIVE! Tears would flood, my feet would be unable to move quickly enough to get to him. I would want to just cling to him, and then fall at his feet. To be dead in such as way as he was, and then to be ALIVE! No other man could accomplish this...There is no doubt left in my mind that He IS, truly, the Son of God Himself!
Suddenly I am unworthy to be in His presence, and yet this is still the same Jesus I knew before...the man who loved me even as a sinner, the man who rescued me and gave me new life.
....
This is the same Jesus that has called MY name, the Jesus who has loved ME even as a sinner, who has given ME new life. I have not witnessed His resurrection in person, but I have known it in my life and in my soul. He is ALIVE, and He lives in me.
My response is worship. On my face, at His feet kind of worship. There are no words to express the depth of love I feel for Him, and I just want to cling to Him and never let go.
My first thoughts on this topic are how we as believers automatically start asking questions, just like children. "But,.....Why?" We are Gods children, and I think He expects it, how else are we to grow and learn? We cannot fathom or begin to wrap our brains around His plan. It proves our faith is weak. When Christ reveals Himself, I believe I would fall down in disbelief at first, then the humility of my own weakness would set in. The first thing that comes to my mind is the song, "I can Only Imagine". My heart would be exploding with emotions.
ReplyDeleteI would have probably been very distraught until I remembered his words and how he would arise on the third day. Then I would have tried to follow any footprints to find him. When I saw him I would have probably cried with joy and had to touch him to reassure myself that my eyes were not play tricks on me. The joy I would have would be overwhelming and I would need to tell everyone. And serving at this encounter is one way I get to do that!
ReplyDeleteWow, to have lived in Bible times, particularly, at His Resurrection -- unbelieving, then being told "He Is Alive" that would have been a HUGE experience; but, now that I know "the rest of the story", I have the assurance that by His grace and blood, I can dwell in Heaven for eternity.
ReplyDeleteI can't even fathom the grief that Mary was feeling. This man who showed her love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy. She walked and talked with him; touched his hand. She KNEW he loved her. The love that Jesus was able to convey to people... genuine and full. There are not words for the way she must have felt. Her heart was broken. Then the overwhelming joy and rejoicing in his promises. I can imagine at the moment she saw him she knew that every promise he had made would come true. The peace she must have felt in that moment! We can have that too.... it is so amazing!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!! What way to end this journey. It has brought a lot of light as to why I have been called to Serve at this Encounter. Not only is my Mom coming but so is my daughter. It has surely deepened my relationship with God & can't wait to see what he has in store f o r me & how he will use me. Thank you so much Angie!!!!!but most of all thank you to my ultimate everlasting, Heavenly Father.
ReplyDeleteI would be so confused. I would have mixed emotions not knowing what happened to his body. I would think eventually I would remember his words that he would rise again and then I would be I grateful tears as I fell to my knees
ReplyDeleteI think it would be hard to see your son die and then to know his body was missing from where he was laid to rest. But I believe Mary knew in her heart why her son died and how he would be coming back to bless the world.
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