“Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mark 16:2–3)

 

There are 5 major obstacles to faith and Christianity. There is the logical obstacle, “Christianity doesn’t make sense.” Then there is the emotional obstacle, “I prayed and I don’t feel like there is anything different.” Many struggle with behavioral obstacles, “It is impossible for me to live a holy life so I can’t believe.” Or the societal obstacles that are culturally created that get in the way of faith, “I don’t want to suffer persecution as a Christian because the world hates Christians.” Finally there may be a spiritual obstacle, “I have a faith but I still struggle with unbelief.”

 

Resurrection morning, Mary and the women came to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. They saw Jesus die on the cross and they saw Joseph and Nicodemus put Jesus’ body in the tomb. All this happened with the backdrop of Jesus’ prophesy about His resurrection – “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.” (Matthew 16:21). As the women walked in grief towards the tomb their thoughts went to how they would move the stone from the entrance of the tomb. Jesus’ resurrection didn’t make sense, and practically how would they open the tomb to take care of His body? Yet, God had already removed their obstacle. “And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.” (Matthew 28:2) Problem solved! God removed the stone so they could enter the tomb and believe. The only thing left for them was to get to the tomb.

 

What are your obstacles to faith? Do you find yourself saying, “I believe Lord but help my unbelief?” God wants to and will remove those things that stand in your way as you come to Him. The women recognized the potential obstacle of the stone but that didn’t stop them from coming to the tomb. It is good to recognize your obstacles but don’t let those obstacles keep you from coming to Jesus. 

 

 

Pastor Cary Wacker