Two Mary's and a Tomb

“And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” Mark 16:2,3

I can only imagine the sorrow that engulfed these women as they made the trek to the tomb that fateful Sunday morning. Their rabbi, their teacher, had been crucified. My guess is that they had barely slept the night before. Perhaps they spent the night crying, weeping and consoling one another.

Love led them to the tomb that morning. It wasn’t until they were already on their way that their minds began to catch up to their hearts. There was a problem with their plan – the large stone that sealed the tomb would prevent them from anointing the body of Jesus. The stone was simply too large for them.

But these women were about to learn the lesson that Paul would later relate: God is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think (Eph 3:20). These women did not go to the tomb to find Jesus alive. Without Jesus, dead men stayed dead. The only hope a dead person had was now entombed.

For a few short years Hope had been alive. Hope had walked among them, but as of Friday Hope was dead. The Miraculous had been crucified and the only thing left to do was mourn. But while these women were focused on a stone, God was working behind the scenes, behind the stone if you will – accomplishing redemption for the world.

Because God is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think. No one expected Jesus to be raised from the dead. But God isn’t restricted by our expectations. Thank God for that. Jesus would still be in the tomb and you and I would still be lost. Beyond anyone’s expectations, beyond anyone’s field of vision, God was working. He was breathing new life into a dead body. New life into a dead people. Hope into a dead and decaying world.

Who could foresee a crucified man coming back to life? Then again, who could foresee the world turned upside down by a ragtag bunch of disciples? Or a prostitute sharing a meal with God? Who could foresee a drug addict turned pastor? Who could foresee the transformation that God has done or wants to do in your life? Or the life of the person you've been praying for? Who could foresee these things? The one who understands that God is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think. He doesn’t always “do” what we think he should – that would restrict him to our expectations – but He is always “doing”. Better yet, the two Mary’s would have you know that He is always “out-doing” our expectations.

Hope is not dead. It was raised to new life that Sunday morning. The Miraculous is alive and well. He may be operating behind the scenes, behind the stones, but He is operating. We never know what He is up to until the stone is rolled away and we are invited in. Hope in what you cannot see and know that Hope is alive... in the world and within you.


“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

“According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

There are many families in need of a dose of hope today. Would you consider dropping a few dollars in my Salvation Army virtual kettle so that someone on hard times can hear the message of hope? Just click on the red kettle in the left column. You will be given an opportunity to designate the funds to your local Salvation Army. Please feel no obligation, only an opportunity.

Blessings to you as we give thanks to the One who is worthy, knowing that every good and perfect gift, including our faith, is from our Father above (James 1:17).