BE WITH JESUS
MONDAY, APRIL 28
READING: MATTHEW 28:1-10
IT STARTS WITH WORSHIP!
In chapter 28 of Matthew we catch a glimpse of the resurrection scene when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary show up at the grave where Jesus was buried. The writer tells us that the earth shook and there was a blaze of lightning which turned out to be an angel. All this commotion scared the Roman guards out of their wits!
The angel had a few things to say to these women before they took off running to tell the disciples about their experience. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Jesus says “Good morning!” The women were stopped in their tracks! They fell to their knees in awe, and they “clasped” his feet in worship.
The first response these women had to the resurrection of Jesus was to worship him, behold him, look at him with awe, wonder, delight and joy (The soldiers, not so much. They hit the ground for another reason!). Sure, fear and confusion must have also been part of the mix, but even in the uncertainty of what they were seeing, the women didn’t miss the opportunity to kneel before Jesus and worship him.
This is a natural response for all of us when we encounter Jesus. Living the resurrection starts with drawing near to Him in worship. Scripture teaches us that when we draw near, when we come close with clear intention to BE with Jesus, HE will draw near to us. Developing this as a Daily Rhythm of our life with GOD is an important part of our spiritual health and growth.
The angel had a few things to say to these women before they took off running to tell the disciples about their experience. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Jesus says “Good morning!” The women were stopped in their tracks! They fell to their knees in awe, and they “clasped” his feet in worship.
The first response these women had to the resurrection of Jesus was to worship him, behold him, look at him with awe, wonder, delight and joy (The soldiers, not so much. They hit the ground for another reason!). Sure, fear and confusion must have also been part of the mix, but even in the uncertainty of what they were seeing, the women didn’t miss the opportunity to kneel before Jesus and worship him.
This is a natural response for all of us when we encounter Jesus. Living the resurrection starts with drawing near to Him in worship. Scripture teaches us that when we draw near, when we come close with clear intention to BE with Jesus, HE will draw near to us. Developing this as a Daily Rhythm of our life with GOD is an important part of our spiritual health and growth.
LET'S PRACTICE
Find a quiet space where you are free from distraction. Settle yourself in a comfortable position with your Bible and a journal. Consider a couple of the following scriptures as prompts to begin your time of worship. Try to make your responses specific.
- Matthew 6:9-13 — Lord, I praise YOU and stand in awe of who YOU are — because YOU...
- Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 — Lord, YOU are over all things, Let my words be few as I stand in awe of you! (Take a moment to sit in silence and simply acknowledge GOD’s presence with you).
- Psalm 19 — Lord, Your glory is everywhere. Give me eyes to see that there is none like you. I see your glory in … (be specific).
- Revelation 4: Lord, YOU alone are worthy to receive glory, honor and power. May my life be lived today to praise you, to worship you. (Name a few ways you can give GOD glory by participating with him in His Kingdom work today).
- Habakkuk 3:17-19: Lord, in my weakness, be my strength and guide, that in ALL seasons I may trust and worship YOU. (How can you worship GOD in this particular season of life)?