Luke 24:1

New International Version (NIV)

 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

For meditation

How joyfully do we prepare ourselves to meet the Lord in corporate worship on Sundays? Consider how meaningful it can be to approach this time with thoughtful anticipation.

I wonder what the women thought as they waited for the Sabbath to pass before going to the Lord’s tomb early on the first day of the week.  (Luke 24:1). Filled with anticipation, they may have had sleepless nights.

Imagine their anxious expectation. They were impatient, only focused on honoring the Lord by anointing His body. (23:56). Their desire showed love and determination for His proper burial. They were filled with worship and longing to honor the Master, though they mourned deeply.

Can you understand their shock when they found the empty tomb (Luke 24:1-4)? They remembered Jesus had spoken about His resurrection, yet they wondered. Their wonder turned to joy when, on the way to share the news, Jesus met and greeted them. They grasped His feet and worshipped Him (Matthew 28:9). He said, “Don’t be afraid” (10). How comforting!

As we approach Sunday and other times of corporate worship, let us reflect on whether we expect to meet our living Lord with eagerness. The emotional journey of Mary and the other women to honor Jesus should inspire us—how much more should we intensify looking forward to encountering and worshiping Christ together? Let us examine our readiness to meet and honor Him.  

Just as a bride prepares for a special meeting with her groom, may we ready ourselves to meet our Lord in worship. Like the women who encountered the living Jesus, let us seek joyful communion with Christ and with one another, filled with God’s presence in worship.

With hearts prepared and eager, let us offer God a sacrifice of praise together, allowing joy to overflow as we worship and listen for His voice. Our careful preparation opens the way for honoring Jesus with all our hearts.  

Pray with Me

Prepare my heart, O Lord, to meet you in every corporate worship, the way I make time to meet you in private worship. I thank you for the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the corporate spirit of the church in worship. Receive all the glory in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

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