The Guards at the Tomb

by | Jun 8, 2017 | Devotional | 1 comment

man_strong.jpg

If I had to choose my biggest pet peeve, it would have to be being the victim of a false accusation. Hearing allegations such as “Zarella left the cap off the toothpaste tube,” “Zarella didn’t change the toilet paper roll,” or, worse, “Zarella ate the last cookie!” really grinds my gears. Although that last one may be true, my point is that false accusations and false witnessing is not a fair game.

It has been almost two months since we commemorated Resurrection Sunday, but what has stuck with me since has been the role played by the guards of the tomb. These guards witnessed the most amazing and powerful event in the history of the world, yet for a sum of money, they became terrible false witnesses.

Recall Matthew 28:11-14 which tells about the guards accepting a large amount of money to say that the disciples of Jesus came and stole His body.

I’m sure we’ve all felt a bit frustrated reading this scripture. I can’t help think what could’ve been if these guards didn’t lie. Where would the Jewish nation be at this point in time if those men told the truth rather than a lie?

When asked about the supposed “theft” by their wives, family members, or friends, would they have admitted to the visitation of the angel and the validity of the resurrection? What did they do later on when they heard the disciples preaching that Jesus had indeed been raised from the dead? What did they feel hearing those words spread throughout the land? Guilt? Shame?

What do I feel when my actions don’t align with what I have witnessed Christ do in my life? Guilt? Shame?

What do I do when asked about my convictions and faith? Most importantly, do I ask myself, “Will my actions now affect my children later? My other family members? My branch? Those who look to me as an example? My community? An entire nation of people (as in the case of these guards)?

The guards were not disciples, priests, men of power, or perhaps even educated, but their actions could have changed the course of history. What can we do today to be a witness of God’s true glory?

Bio Zarella

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.

1 Comment

  1. Brother Gary Thompson

    This was a great article Sister. I always read the Editors favorite verse and it’s no coincidence that your favorite verse matches perfectly for this very important event in the history of mankind if not the most important period. No matter how bad mankind tries to mess things up, GOD’S plan will not be deterred.

    I Nephi 9:6. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men: for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Further Reading

Second to God

“Do you really love me?” my father would ask. With a smile, my mother would nod.  I felt warm inside when mother replied, “Don’t you know, you come second to God”* If you had a conversation similar to the above with your spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, best...

Read More

Shake the Dust Off Your Feet

As Jesus continues to prepare His twelve Apostles for the mission He is sending them on, He gives them some unusual instructions regarding lodging in each city that they will visit. Rather than make arrangements to stay at an inn (and since they’re also told to not...

Read More

Never Miss a New Article

Subscribe to Our Email List
Sign up and get every new blog post sent straight to your inbox so you always have the day’s devotional at your fingertips.

We never share your email address with anyone for any reason, and we use it only to send you Gospel Blog emails. Just articles, not ads!

Your Story for God’s Glory

Share Your Testimony on Miracle Monday

We devote Miracle Monday to sharing miracle stories. From finding a lost wedding ring to healing cancer on the spot, Jesus Christ has done it all, big and small.

And we want to hear about what He’s done for you.

The Gospel Blog Is Open for Submissions

We encourage devotional-style or scripture-based articles in the ballpark of 500 words. We are open to any topic that glorifies God and unites the Church.