Devotions on Emotions (and Scripture) by the First Pres Pastors

A reflection on Matthew 28:1-8

28 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. ² And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. ⁴ For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he^[a] lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,^[b] and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” ⁸ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

The daily devotions from First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven are moving in a new direction. The three pastors (Steve, Sarah, and John) want to spend a little time reflecting on feelings and faith. And the first feeling emoji is “excited.”

Although fear and joy are mentioned in the story of the women at the empty tomb of Easter, I think they were excited by the news! Jesus was alive! Everything Jesus had said was true! God’s plans were coming true for Him, them, and us!

I’m excited about what God has in store for me! I hope you are too.

Prayer

God, remind me just how good You are, and just how good Your plans for me are! Thank You for making a point of Your power in giving me life abundant and life eternal. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.