I want to break free

by Greg Fowler

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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 (Matthew 28:2).

Read Matthew 28:1–10

There have been a few times in my life when I have felt hemmed in with no place to go; I was out of options. It’s uncomfortable and depressing when it seems like there are obstacles in our lives that are blocking our paths. When our family was young, I had a job that paid well but it was unsatisfying and meant working long hours. I wanted to spend more time with my family, but I would have to put our financial security at risk if I did. It seemed I was stuck.

Jesus is the one who removes barriers in our lives. In all areas. Jesus came to Earth so that he could join us in our lives, and he wants to be involved in everything: spiritually, emotionally and financially. He wants all of us, not just a section we have compartmentalised. He wants to show his power in our entire lives. His resurrection demonstrates that.

I love the Scripture that tells of how the angel moved the stone. It wasn’t for Jesus’ benefit – he had already risen – it was for ours. God the Father sent his messenger to proclaim Jesus to the soldiers, to the witnesses and to us as hearers of the story. The message was word and deed. He is risen. He cannot be hemmed in. He has power over death and life. And the invitation to us all is simple: as he has broken free, he offers a relationship that will allow us to break free. What good news!

I chose to trust that Jesus wanted me to break free. I prayed and asked Jesus to show me the way. I asked others to pray for me and with me. Soon after, I received a job offer that allowed me more time with the family and more time for our church community. Jesus broke me out. He asks us all to look to the tomb when we feel we need to break free from something in our lives. See the stone and the angel and hear his promises.

Dear Jesus, as you showed your authority over all life and death through your resurrection, be with us in our struggles. As the stone was moved, we pray that you move obstacles that get in the way of living in the freedom you give. Amen.

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