Perpetuate the Wonder

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men… 

some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.  When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep’ …so the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.” Matt. 28: 2-4, 11-13, 15 NIV

The chief priests were determined to believe what they wanted to believe and to keep everything the way it was.  This isn’t the first time they hear a report about something amazing that Jesus did and remain completely unmoved by it.  They don’t even blink.  They don’t absorb the wonder.  People had been healed in front of them, and they disregarded it- no joy, no compassion for the one healed, no amazement at God or Jesus.  Now an angel has rolled a gravestone away.  Jesus crucified, is risen from the dead.  The power of sin is broken. 

And their faces are stony, their hearts hardened by their own agendas.  Then, they get out bribe money to keep their own plans and positions intact.   And the guards, after witnessing a miracle, are willing to become liars to keep their jobs.  They take the money and leave true riches on the table. 

Oh Lord,

Examine my heart. Where do I ignore the wonder of you in order to protect my plan, and my way?  Let me be in awe of your resurrection.  And of you.  Let me stop and acknowledge the wonderful and surprising things you do.  Even if it slows me down.  And costs me.  Let me live to perpetuate the wonder of you. 

Amen.