Short Stories

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STONES

Out of the four Gospels there is only one account on how exactly the stone covering Jesus grave rolled away.

Matthew 28:2 And, behold there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

Though this story is not biblical, may I suggest another way the stone rolled away.

As the sun slowly rises upon the horizon the Roman guard stretches and shakes off the cold. Stepping over his sleeping partner he walks to the stone covering Jesus' tomb. He is sure that it is sealed but better safe then sorry.

Rubbing his hand over the cold wax seal of the king, he experiences a wave of relief as well as grief.

His partner breaks the silence of the morning by speaking during a yawn. "Did you really expect it to be open? His followers were common, weak men. Never would they brave meeting us face to face to steal their precious Savior's body."

As they speak the sun rises higher and brighter in the sky, their conversion the only one going on (or is it?)

Inside the tomb Jesus is stretching and walking about. His glory fills the tomb. So intense is the light the sun dulls in comparison.

The grave yawns as he starts to wake up. Shaking himself awake he disturbs the sleeping stone. "Hey Rock, wake up. Jesus has risen."

Opening his sleepy eyes the rock sees Jesus walking about in the very glory that created him long before man. "Good morning, Creator. I am glad that my friend and I were a part of your plan."

Stepping over to the stone Jesus places his hand upon it.

"Lord, before you leave can I ask a favor for my friend and I?"

While folding the sleeping cap, Jesus looks at the stone and grave, "What is your request?"

"Lord, since there is no one here to praise you will you give us a voice to praise you with?"

"I tell you that, if these should hold their peace the stones would immediately cry out." Jesus recalls telling a Pharisee that ten days ago.

"So be it." is all Jesus says.
Stones
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The loud rings of Hosanna and Praise the Lord fill the tomb.

Outside the guards look puzzled. They think they hear voices coming from within. Pressing their ear against the stone they hear, ‘Praise the Lord’ along with ‘King of Kings’ and a couple ‘Lord of Lords’ mixed in.

Stumbling back they look at each other, "I know what it is. We been out here three days with no real sleep and very little food." Quickly the other nods his head in agreement.

The more praise that goes up in the tomb, the more the tomb and stone feel like dancing in the Spirit. The two start a slow, almost undetectable hop that grows so intense that the very earth quakes below them.

The angel of the Lord appears from heaven and gently places his hand upon the stone. Like being slain in the Spirit, the stone gives up his position and gently rolls away.

This is too much for the guards to bear! First, three days with very little sleep. Then, voices from within. Now an angel of the Lord in their midst. They just fell away.

While setting upon the stone (to keep it from rolling away), the angel greets Jesus as He comes forth.

Calling the angel by name a wave of hello and good-bye is given. With that, the angel returns to heaven.

Stepping over the guards Jesus looks at them and speaks. "You know in your hearts what you have heard and seen but greed will stop you from revealing it. I'm sorry. I could have used you two."

With a look of disappointment upon his face He starts towards Galilee.

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