The Resurrection: A Seismic Event

A Message Shared at an Open Air Sunrise Gathering on Portland in Dorset based on Matthew 28:1-10

The Resurrection was an event of seismic proportions.  The Greek word used in verse 2 of the reading is seismos, from which we get the word seismic and which is translated earthquake.  And this was not just any old ordinary earthquake.  This was a violent or great earthquake.  It was such because Heaven was involved represented by the angelic presence.

This was seismic for the people around the Tomb and the events of Jesus’ death and burial.  This was seismic for the authorities. This was seismic for humanity.>  Death was reversed and the full time score is Jesus 1 v Sin & Death Nil.  This was seismic for the world. 

I love talking about tectonic plates.  Those plates, about 62 miles thick the upper parts of the Earth’s Crust that cause earthquakes when they move.   How could they fail to cause earthquakes with such power?  Here the tectonic plates of heaven and earth, sin, death and eternity were moving and nothing would ever be the same again.  The landscape has changed.  That is why it was seismic.

However strong a physical earthquake there might have been it was as nothing to what was happening in spiritual terms and heaven and earth. From that we take our comfort our strength and encouragement.  Whatever seeks to kill us or drain life for us we have a Saviour who can upturn the heavens and earth and make a difference.  This is a  Saviour who, even when a stone is rolled across the entrance of a tomb, can ensure it is cast aside because when tectonic plates move everything moves.

So today as we meet as Easter People, the people of the Resurrection, whatever stands against us, within us or outside us let us remember it can be cast aside.  The God who moved heavens and earth has no problem rolling a stone and raising a man – and certainly not the God Man.

Death need never be the same again.  Life need never be the same again – for the risen Christ wants to live and love through us.  Amen.

Matthew 28:1-10

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. ² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. ⁵ The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.” Now I have told you.’ ⁸ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’