So far as their knowledge went, their visit could only result in seeing the sepulchre. Did not the stone conceal the grave and the guard defend it? But early though they went, a visitor had been there before them who could brush these things away as the mists before the morning sun.

The angel had come from the land of light, and he brought with him some of the characteristics of that land. His countenance was like lightning and his raiment as white as snow. We are going to that land, and it is our privilege to have the light of it in our hearts even now. That which brought fear to the keepers brought joy to the women-- deeper in that it was so wholly unexpected; and it would still further deepen as they would learn later all that the resurrection meant to His followers.

But if the presence and message of the angel filled the hearts of the women with mingled fear and joy, Another was about to meet them who would banish fear from their hearts forever. "And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!'" (verse 9).

We are so accustomed to be occupied with our needs and to rejoice in our blessings that we are in danger of failing to enter into His joy. And yet it is only as we enter into His joy that we perceive the basis on which our highest joys rest. Redemption's work completed, nothing intervenes to hinder all the love and grace of His heart flowing out to His own.

Laurence Laurenson (excerpted)