Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earth quake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. Matthew 28:1-8
Do you ever wonder why God chose women to find out first about the resurrection? We might be tempted to believe that it's because women are superior to men, or women somehow have special privileges with God. But with other scriptures in view, this cannot be the reason.
This is what John Calvin says in his commentary on Matthew:
"He began with the women, and not only presented himself to be seen by them, but even gave them a commission to announce the gospel to the apostles, so as to become their instructors. This was intended, first, to chastise the indifference of the apostles, who were like persons half-dead with fear, while the women ran with alacrity to the sepulcher, and likewise obtained no ordinary reward. For though their design to anoint Christ, as if Ire were still dead, was not free from blame, still he forgave their weakness, and bestowed on them distinguished honor, by taking away from men the apostolic office, and committing it to them for a short time. In this manner also he exhibited an instance of what Paul tells us, that he chooses those things which are foolish and weak in the world to abase the loftiness of the flesh. And never shall we be duly prepared to learn this article of our faith in any other manner than by laying aside all pride, and submitting to receive the testimony of the women. Not that our faith ought to be confined within such narrow limits, but because the Lord, in order to make trial of our faith, determines that we shall become fools, before he admits us to a more ample knowledge of his mysteries."
Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earth quake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. Matthew 28:1-8
This coming Sunday we are attending our annual "March for Life". I want to encourage each and every one of you to find out if there is one in your area. If there is, then you should definitely go! This is a very important way that we show others what we believe and one very small way that we can show what God thinks of abortion. I am looking forward to marching and to attending the rally afterwards as well. I pray that you will think about this seriously, because it is a very important issue that we cannot just let sit.
What's a Kids Fest, you might ask? It's fun, games, Bible stories, singing, puppets, Emmons Sisters, crafts, snacks and balloons-lots of them. Last Sunday Faith Presbyterian Church had their third Kids Fest at Riverside Park. What is the reason? To meet people, show them love and invite them to Christianity Explored, a study for those wanting to know what the Bible teaches about Christianity. We praise God for nice weather, a good turn out and a blessed time!
When those puppets came up all eyes were up front!
Guest appearance from John the Baptist
We also had John the Baptist's neighbor "Obed" come for a visit to explain who John was, what the word repent means and other important lessons that only a person can do.
