“Freshening Up A Corpse” (Ready to Worship s9E5)

February 22, 2019

Ready to Worship Season 9, Episode 5 for Friday, February 22, 2019

On this season of Ready to Worship, we are examining the resurrection. It is our hope that examining this event will prepare our hearts and minds for worship.

Do you remember why the women came to the tomb of Jesus early on the first day of the week? Mark says that they came to anoint the body of Jesus with sweet spices (Mk. 16:1). In common terms, they came to freshen up a corpse. No doubt, they had mentally prepared themselves for this work. It could not have been easy. They loved Jesus so much. As you know, these women were the last ones at the cross and the first ones at the tomb. They were unwavering in their commitment. While it is commendable that these godly women wanted to render this final service, it was unnecessary. God’s Son was not going to see corruption (Psa. 16:10; Acts 2:27). He was not there. He was risen (Mk. 16:5-6). They would have to save their sweet spices for another.

When we come together on the first day of the week, it isn’t to freshen up a corpse. We come to worship a risen Lord. We don’t come with sweet spices to anoint, but with sweet songs to adore. The Hebrew writer declared, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb. 13:15). A question that rings in my mind is this: Are we as committed to a Savior that we know is living, as these women were to a Savior that they thought was dead?

As we get ready to worship this week, we can leave our sweet spices at home. We won’t be needing them. We serve a risen Lord!