Matthew 28:9 (ESV)
And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
Jesus is risen! So what now? The women were told to go send the good news to the disciples. The disciples needed to be enlightened that their Master is alive. Resurrected.
That piece of good news was sent out very quickly with a zest of joy. The elation of change of mood is seen in this few verses in Matthew 28. What must we do in the days ahead is much reflected in this verse as the disciples responded. In the short duration of waiting especially when situations are filled with gloom, it usually feels like a long enduring halt that can cause us to press the passive mode. However, it is in such times, we need to remember the words of God and be expectant. What are we expecting?
The NIV version of this verse, says, “Suddenly Jesus met them.” We must expect Jesus to show up any time, any how, in any situation. It’s the preparedness of our hearts to welcome his manifested presence at any given point of time. Instantaneously. Without a prior notice. Busy postmodern society including the common folks are cultured to give or expect prior notice to any form of visitation. We don’t expect people to just show up. Unlike the days of old, homes are open to guests any time. Even in the most unprepared homes, the host would still have an inclination to anticipate unannounced arrival.
How is the state of our spirit? Are we ready at all times to expect the “suddenly” of our encounter with Jesus. When it happens, don’t be taken aback. Be like the disciples – behold him! In that glorious moment, take hold with a good grip of his presence, be immersed in his holiness and worship him. The Lord’s presence is an extraordinary encounter yet it can occur naturally.
We must leave room in our spirit for a supernatural encounter with God while we are at the mundane routines carrying out our duty on earth. Knowing he is risen is not suffice. The disciples met the risen Lord, they drew near to him, stooped down to grip tight his feet and worshipped him. That point of collision resulted in the highest form of worship and adoration.
Our knowledge of his resurrection must lead us to worship him. Worship Jesus! Worship him because the tomb is empty to transfer the deposit of heaven’s blessings into our hearts.
The empty tomb
enables us to have
aplenty in our spiritual womb.
Fall down prostrate and worship him! Behold…
“Father, I come…I behold…I worship Jesus. I am expectant to see his glory. In his name. Amen.”
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 15 April 2020.