sometimes it takes an earthquake

Opening Prayer: Roll away the stone, O God, that holds us captive to darkness and despair.  Send your angel to shake things up and lead us out of bondage and into your wonderful light.  Make us all alive inside, whatever it takes.  Amen. 

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-7

Journal: How is God trying to shake you up these days?  What is he trying to accomplish?

Reflection: 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 lightening, and his clothes were as white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.” (Matthew 28:2-4)

     Sometimes it takes an earthquake to roll away the stone that keeps us trapped in death and darkness and despair.  Sometimes it takes an earthquake to awaken us from our slumber and stagnation and lethargy, and send us on our way with new life and energy and direction.  Sometimes it takes an earthquake to get us out of our comfortable, safe, sheltered lives, in order to start a new fire and instill a new passion deep within us.  Sometimes it takes an earthquake to disrupt our daily, self-consumed routines and remind us that, ultimately, this life is not about us in the first place, but about God.   

     So God sends his angel from heaven to shake us up.  He sends his holy messenger to disturb and disrupt us, so that we might not be trapped in our old ways of being and seeing.  He removes the stone that holds us captive and offers us the freedom to walk out of the dark tomb into the light of his love and affection.  For God always wants more for us, but sometimes it takes an earthquake to get us there.

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus, that you are alive.  And because of that we can be too.  Thanks be to God!