… “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”

Mark 16:3

A three-letter word can make all the difference in the world. The frightening call came late at night, “Your daughter has been in an auto accident. … BUT she’s going to be okay.” Very early on that first Easter morning, the grieving women came to the alarming realization, “Who will roll away the stone? … AND looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back” (Mark 16:3-4). Then they were met in the empty tomb by an angel announcing the greatest good news ever, “He has risen. He is not here” (vs. 6). Twenty-five years later, the inspired apostle contrasts the fatal futility of those who question the resurrection of Jesus with those who, by God’s grace, are filled with Easter joy: “IF Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile. … BUT in fact Christ has been raised from the dead …” (1 Corinthians 15:17, 20). No if’s, and’s, or but’s. Christ is risen!

Gil Duchow
Muskego, WI

Risen Christ, grant us the grace to believe, share, and live our blessed Easter faith. Amen.

Reflect: Rejoice! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Read: Mark 16:1-7 and 1 Corinthians 15:12-22