By Travis Biller
Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, Elizabethton
Focal Passage: Luke 24:1-12
“It’s just too good to be true. And besides, I was always told that if something is too good to be true, then it must not be true.” I understand. We live in a world filled with uncertainty and hopelessness. Indeed, as I write this, the COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc around the world. Many are filled with fear. Just yesterday (March 17) I made the painful decision to cancel all church activities and services in light of the virus. In fact, in the minds of many, the only thing certain in this life is death and taxes. Our current circumstances do not offer encouragement.
BUT (I am thankful for that word) that is not end of the story. While the world is filled with uncertainty, we would do well to remember that since our first parents left the Garden of Eden, doubt, pain, suffering, sin, and death have been a normal part of our existence. Yet, despite that reality God has been working. His greatest work was seen in the most unlikely place.
Our text is Luke 24:1-12. Two women who have been following Jesus are coming to His tomb. They are bringing the necessary spices with which to bury His body. No doubt as they make their journey, they are filled with sorrow for their loss, and a sense of hopelessness that the One they believed was their Messiah has been killed. His ministry is ended. Everything they hoped was true has come crashing down. With heavy spirits they approached the tomb only to find it rolled away. [Read more…]