Mark 16:3-4 Asking for what has already been done
Mark 16:3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.
The women had volunteered for this duty, caring for the body of Jesus; preparing for burial the already-buried body of Jesus. But they couldn’t not do it. They must show this honor and respect. If wouldn’t change Him, but it would reflect what He meant to them, and what they thought about Him. Even though He had been crucified as the lowest of criminals on the cross, He was Jesus, their Lord. Even though they had missed much of what Jesus had spoken, about His death and resurrection, still they believed, and acted in hope. And, we can identify.
We identify because we puzzle about things that have already been settled, already been taken care of. These ladies wanted to to do their duty for Jesus, bringing spices and cloths. But there was a problem. A big problem. A big, heavy problem. The stone, sealed by the authorities, blocked the way to the doing of their duty. “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”
“And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back - it was very large.” It had already been taken care of. It was not going to be a problem. It was not going to be their problem. It had never been a problem, though they featured it so.
What is the alternative? There are problems, real problems, aren’t there? There are responsibilities that we must tend to, and those “tendings” require decision-making, even problem-solving. We wonder what is the best method or approach. How will we handle this?
How will I handle the health issues for myself and those for whom I am responsible? How will I properly manage finances? Should I buy or rent? Should I look for a better job? For whom should I vote?
But ultimately, our health is in God’s hands, as is our money, our future, our opportunities, and our trials. He is the One who places boulders in our path, or removes them, though we know not how. By all means, let’s be prepared to do our duties. But let’s also watch how God re-arranges the stones.
How many problems do we fret over that are not our problems at all?
Coming up in this series, Lord willing:
Friday, April 10, 2020
Matt. 28:4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Jn. 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Lk. 24:5 “Why do you seek the living among the dead?
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