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| Ark of the Covenant as depicted by bibleplaces.com |
As I was preparing for Easter Sunday's service, my mind was running...so many thoughts coming into my mind. I was excited.
I read from John chapter 20 - the story of Mary going to the tomb of Jesus on that wonderful Easter morning. I couldn't help but picture what it was like...Cool morning air, the birds just starting to wake. The dim light of a lantern as Mary walks toward the garden tomb. How was Mary feeling? Was she nervous? Was she concerned that she was going to a tomb? What was she expecting to find?
Then imagine her astonishment, the stone rolled away. This tomb that was sealed. She immediately ran to tell Peter. She was frantic, her Lord was gone.
(Here is an interesting thing...did she look into the tomb before she got Peter? She tells Peter that the Lord's body has been taken out of the tomb...Did she look before getting Peter or did she just assume that someone had stolen Jesus's body?)
One other interesting detail that I really like is when the Peter and the other disciple had left, and Mary was at the tomb..she looks in and sees 2 angels. Remember her eyes are filled with tears, she's crying and weeping.
One angel at the foot of where Jesus laid, and one foot at the head of where Jesus had laid. This got my mind going - where else do we see 2 angels - one at the head and one at the foot? The ark of the covenant. Here is a little history on it - This ark was in the Holy of Holy's in the Jewish temple. The top of the ark was named "The Mercy Seat" This "Mercy Seat" had an angel at the head, and one at the foot. The High Priest would sprinkle blood for the atonement for himself and his family, the other priests, the Tabernacle, and the people of Israel.
Now go back with me to the story of Mary looking into the tomb. 2 angels...one at the head, one at the foot or where Jesus was laid...He was the Sacrifice for our sins...Do you see the similarity?
Just some thoughts :)
Blessings to you.
