VIDEO LINKS TO THIS SERMON
Coming To Jesus Early
by Pastor Mark Taylor
by Pastor Mark Taylor
“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb” (John 20:1).
The crucifixion had brought earth’s darkest day. Even the light of the sun had been hidden from view for three hours during the middle of the day. There was also a dark despair that swept in on the followers of Christ who had either forgotten or doubted His promise to rise from the dead. Even Mary and other women came to His grave to bring spices and ointments to put on His dead body. They came to do the work of an undertaker. Instead this is what happen: “But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? "He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, "saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'" And they remembered His words”
(Luke 24:2-8).
We ought to come to Jesus early “while it is still dark”. We should come to Jesus early to give Him our burdens. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). David prayed this prayer in his wilderness experience: “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water” (Psalms 63:1). The earlier we seek Him, the sooner we will find Him.
God will meet us in dark times and bring us light. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12).
God has called you out of the darkness of your burdens. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). You cannot wait until the sun starts shining to come to Jesus. You have to begin your journey while it is still dark.
We ought to come to Jesus in spite of the obstacles that confront us. The women who came to Jesus early envisioned having to overcome powerful obstacles to get to Jesus. “And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away--for it was very large”
(Mark 16:3-4). The tomb was sealed and guarded by representatives of the Roman Empire. The tomb had been closed by a large stone. There are always obstacles in getting to Jesus. These include pride, fear, selfishness, and sin. Those who come to Jesus will find the stones in their lives will roll away.
The longer we wait, the less likely we are to come to Him. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12-13).
If you are waiting for an intellectual experience where you understand everything, you will never come to Christ. Or if you are waiting until you become “good enough”, that day will never come. Jesus said: "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10:15).
If you are waiting for the right time to come to the Lord, it is today.
For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Jesus also says this to you and me:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).
No comments:
Post a Comment