Who Will Roll the Stone Away?

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this glorious Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate the incredible power and unending love of our God. As we gathered at Rockwell AME Zion Church, our hearts were uplifted by the spirit, remembering that "My God reigns" and that "The Blood Still Works." The powerful opening worship reminded us that Christ "would not come down from the cross just to save himself; He decided to die just to save me."

Our scripture lesson from Mark 16:1-7 sets the scene: three faithful women – Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome – ventured to the tomb at dawn. They weren't seeking a miracle, but came with spices to complete the Jewish burial ritual, preparing to say goodbye to their beloved Lord. As they walked, burdened by grief and devotion, they posed a question that resonates with many of us today: "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?"

The text describes the stone as "very large," an intentional barrier meant to prevent disturbance. This "very large stone" symbolizes the immense obstacles we often face in our own lives: problems too heavy to move, pain too deep to explain, situations too complicated to solve on our own. It's in these moments that we, like the women, find ourselves wondering, "Who will roll this stone away?"

But here is the good news, Rockwell family: what they could not do for themselves, God had already made a way. As Isaiah 65 reminds us, "Even before they ask me, I will answer them; while they are still speaking, I will hear." While the women were questioning, God had already acted. Their faith, their love for Him, propelled them forward despite the unknown, a powerful lesson for us all. Sometimes, the holiest thing we can do is simply to get up, keep walking, keep praying, keep serving, and keep showing up, even when our hearts are heavy and the solution is unseen. We don't need all the answers before we launch into our destiny; we need only to trust God and be faithful.

The sermon urged us to close our eyes to the natural to open them to the spiritual, to see through the lens of faith. God doesn't ask us to be the "stone mover"; He asks us to be faithful. Like Moses at the Red Sea, when faced with an impassable barrier, God commanded, "Tell the Israelites to move forward." Our journey with God is rarely easy, but it is always purposeful.

The empty tomb signifies that death didn't get the last word; there is no finality in God. The stone was rolled away not so Jesus could get out, but so that we could look in and see God's miraculous work. This brings us to the profound message in verse 7: "But go tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you into Galilee." Why specifically mention Peter? Because Peter had particular missteps—he denied Christ. This message is for every "Peter" in the house this morning, for all of us who believe our past mistakes or failures exclude us from God's blessings. But God's love and plan of salvation embrace us all. Your missteps are not an exclusion, but a runway for God's grace and purpose in your life.

The resurrection is not just a historical event; it's about what's happening in your life right now. Is anything being born again in you? Has God allowed something to be crucified so He can bring about a new birth, a resurrected spirit, a renewed attitude? Transformation is a process, and it's okay to admit you're not where you want to be yet, but you're not where you used to be either. Something *got a hold of you*.

As we shared in communion, let us remember that our participation is a testament to our faith in God's power and love to save and deliver us from every transgression. The body broken and blood shed remind us that the power of sin has been broken over our lives, and we are forgiven.

So, Rockwell, as you leave today, carry this expectation: whatever the very large stone in your life, trust God to remove it in His own time and in His own way. Keep praying, keep trusting, keep believing that He can and He will. And when you swing and strike out, swing again! Never stop swinging, never stop trying, never stop pushing, never stop believing. For God’s sake, don’t give up. The resurrection testifies to Christ's unwillingness to turn back from His mission for you and me. To our wise and merciful God, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power to roll the stone away, to rest, rule, and abide in our hearts and lives. Amen.