And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. – Mark 16:6-8 (ESV)
From what I understand, it seems that Mark ends his Gospel on v.8. What a way to end! The women did not do what they were supposed to do; instead they were afraid and hid the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. While I am far from advocating that we fail as Christ’s followers, I do take some comfort that our Lord uses people who do fail. I fail. I want to be obedient, I so desperately want to grow, but I do not always measure up. Praise God for His recovery and use of broken vessels. These same cowardly, unbelieving followers were used by the Lord to change the world for Christ. If God can use them, He can use and redeem anyone, even a wretch like me!
