Today's Scripture:

Mark 16:1-8 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
The women were grief-stricken and trying to do something that would bless their leader, even after He died. They didn't know how things would work out, including who would move the enormous stone. They didn't know why Jesus had been taken from them, and yet they were trying to do something good in the midst of such sadness. They were prepared as much as they could be, and yet they were not prepared for the encounter with the man dressed in white. He told them to not be afraid because Christ had risen. He told them to go and tell Peter and the disciples that Jesus was going ahead of them. The Scripture reminds me of a couple of things. First, no matter what, God wants us to follow Him- even when all seems lost. He wants us to come with things He gives us (gifts, talents, emotions and dreams) no matter what happens. Even when it seems unreasonable or unimaginable, God wants us to pursue Him. Second, God is often moving in ways that we can never imagine. The season of Lent is a profound reminder of that. We walk these days to the Cross so that we can be formed to be the people of God that God calls us to be. Last, and it's almost easy to forget, the women left the tomb and "said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid." I don't want us to miss out on God's invitation and direction to share God's movement in our lives and to preach the Good News. He uses ordinary, average, everyday people on purpose. Don't miss the chance!

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
God has surprised me so many times, in my life of faith. There have been times when I have come to Him broken-hearted and grieving, without knowing what to say or do. I have come confused and bewildered, with little understanding about what the next step could be. I have come to Him, often questioning what, when, where, how and why? I have come to Him, and it hasn't always been my most flattering or faith-filled approach , if that makes any sense. There are just seasons like that. I have been in them and I imagine there might be some who find themselves in a season just like that now. I have been a Christian almost forty years, and I have heard the same invitation for relationship with Him. I have heard it, and I try to be faithful. When I do stumble and grumble, and stomp and sometimes complain to God, God surprises me. God surprises me in His goodness and mercy. He never shames me or makes me feel less than for not being or believing all that I want. God surprises me because He is often working out things in ways I never could have imagined. He is moving and blessing in ways I might not see for years. But He is moving.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
The familiar text reminds me again of the intimate moments with the Lord (and His messengers) that form and shape us. We have these moments through making a little margin to abide in God's Word, to pray and to listen. This Lent, I am going to create a little more space for God to do what He will. I will do that, no matter what the weeks may bring. Let us pray, "God we pray for Your mercy and provision in this season. May it be set apart for Your good purpose in our lives and in the lives of others. Help us to come to you, no matter what. Help us to trust that You are doing something good, even if we don't see it now. Help us, Lord, to partner with You in Your kingdom work. We love You and are so grateful. Amen."

About Julia Leeth:
I have the great privilege of serving as your senior pastor.
4 plus years