The Pilgrim Path---Matthew's Gospel 28: 1-10

RESURRECTION

***Some additional Revelation notes at bottom...

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was an earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."

---After the Sabbath---the ladies came. Sunday becomes the Day of Celebration--- because of the resurrection of the God-Man Jesus. Sunday is the "new" Sabbath for Christians (please see the Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter XXI, section 7). Every Sunday---a celebration of new Life in Him---and for Him!

---A word from THE HEIDELBERG CATECHISM Question 103. What doth God require in the fourth commandment? First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained; and that I, especially on the Sabbath, that is, on the day of rest, diligently frequent the church of God to hear His word, use the sacraments, publicly call upon the Lord, and contribute to the relief of the poor, as becomes a Christian. Secondly, that all the days of my life I cease from my evil works, and yield myself to the Lord, to work by His Holy Spirit in me; and thus begin in this life the eternal Sabbath.

---An Angel descended---Wow--did he! He rattled and shook the place! Why? So the ladies could "see" that Jesus was risen from the dead! How helpful heaven can be! And notice--the Angel sat on the stone--as if to say, "That was nothing---now take a look inside!"

---And get a load of this: the guards "wished" they were dead! The Angel appearing "like" lightning---moving the world---was just too much for their frail frames! Makes you wonder---What will the wicked do at the end of the age--when Jesus sends His Holy Angels to, "separate the wheat from the chaff?"

---Angels can really "put" the word of truth to you when necessary..."Ladies, no need to be scared---Jesus is ALIVE--just like He told you He would be---see the tomb---GO tell his disciples--hurry." You never get the impression that these non-fallen Angels---these Celestial Servants of the LORD Most High---really get impatient with the dullness, and lack of faith--- that followers of Jesus struggle with...They know we are weak beings---that Jesus has "set" His affection upon us. It obviously is a marvel to them---that we are "joint heirs" with the Living Christ---because the Apostle Peter says the Angels really are quite impressed "learning" about this redemption which we possess (First Peter 1: 12). These Angels serve the LORD and His people---whenever so directed.

---And Jesus met them on the way. Doesn't He always? No matter the path, the pandemic, the pains, the stress, the changes, the losses, the woes, the additions---HE meets us on the way...From Spurgeon: Trust all thy concerns with Him who never can be taken from Thee, who will never leave Thee, and who will never let you leave Him, even "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Lo, I am you always is enough for my soul to live upon, let who will forsake me...

The sermon today is from the Book of Revelation. I thought I'd give you some notes from one of my favorite seminary professor's, Dr. Douglas Kelly---on that book...

The Beatitudes of Revelation:

Blessed is he that reads the prophecy of this book and keeps what is written therein--1: 3

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord---they rest from their labors & their works follow them--14: 13

Blessed is he that watches & keeps himself undefiled--16: 15

Blessed are they which are called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb--19: 9

Blessed are those who have part in the first resurrection--the second death has no power over them---they are priests to God--20: 6

Blessed are those who keep the sayings of this prophecy---22: 7

Blessed are they who do His commandments---they have a right to the tree of Life and may enter the Gates of the City--22: 14

SIX PROMISES to the Saints:

God sees their tears---7:17; 21:4

Their prayers are heard and are used to rule the world---8: 3, 4

Their death or suffering leads to Glory---14:13; 20: 4

Their final victory is assured---15: 2

Their blood will be avenged---6: 9; 8: 3

Their Christ lives & reigns FOREVER and is victorious in time and eternity---5: 7, 8; 21: 22

"Christ the Lord is ris'n today," Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say; Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high; Alleluia!

Sing ye heav'ns in earth reply. Alleluia!

Charles Wesley (1739)

May God Bless Each and everyone of you dear souls!

Grace & Peace in Jesus Our Lord, Pastor Jason