Your Resurrection Decision

"Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid." 
Mark 16:8 (NIV)

When have you been speechless with astonishment?

Mark's Gospel ends with an abrupt cliffhanger. The women, confronted with the most amazing news in human history, are initially paralyzed by fear and say nothing. These faithful followers who had been so devoted to Jesus now flee from the empty tomb in trembling bewilderment.

But we know the rest of the story. From the other Gospels, we learn that these women eventually do speak up. They do share what they had witnessed, proclaiming the resurrection. 

What changed? They make a decision—the most important decision of their lives. They decide to believe in the resurrection of Jesus, and surrender to the Jesus of resurrection.

Notice the angel doesn’t say, "Surprise! Here's Jesus!" He says, "He is not here, because He has risen!" (See Mark 16:6) This announcement demands a response from everyone who hears it. Will you believe it? Will you accept it? Will you share it?

I'm reminded of Winston Churchill during the darkest days of World War II. When he learned that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing America into the war, he knew everything had changed. Though the battle wasn't over, victory was now assured. That night, he wrote in his diary, "We have won after all!" and "slept the sleep of the saved and thankful."

Like Churchill, you can rest in the assurance that the resurrection has secured the ultimate victory. No matter what storms you face today, you too can "sleep the sleep of the saved" because of the empty tomb. 

This week, you can make your resurrection decision. No matter what battles you're fighting, approach them with the confidence of assured victory. Maybe it’s identifying one person who needs to hear about your faith in the resurrection–and praying for an opportunity to share it. 

The women eventually moved past their fear to share the greatest news of all time. You can too. 

Prayer: Father, Thank You for the hope of the resurrection. Help me make a firm decision today to not only believe in the resurrection, but to live it out and share it with others. Give me the courage to move past my fears to boldly proclaim that Jesus is alive. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.