Jesus, Roll Me Away Like That Stone

Today seemed like a bit of a rough day for me. So many things can build up in life and then they can make one feel stiff, like a rock. I think it’s because parts of us shut down that shouldn’t be shutting down, but we do it as a defense mechanism to avoid the pain. We all know stones don’t feel pain, so why not become one? When life becomes hard, we tend to become hard with it. But there is a better way…

I Am Like That Stone

When Jesus died on the cross, He was placed in a tomb for three days and three nights (Matt 12:40). Blocking the entrance of that tomb was a stone guarded by soldiers (Matt 27:60-66). This was important because there was fear that the body would be stolen and that an uprising would occur (Matt 27:60-66). The thing is, something much more amazing happened. The stone blocked the path, but stones are merely stones, and they are at the mercy of He who created them. A stone is actually a submissive object. I know it sounds crazy, but the Holy Bible tells us that if we are silenced, the stones will begin to cry for Him (Luke 19:40). We are like those stones. We become stiff, obstructive, not willing to move, and we must cry for Him that created us so that we might serve a greater purpose.

Moving the Stones

Christ arose. That is one of the most important things we can ever know, but it must also be lived. The stone blocking the tomb had to be moved. I mean, what’s the point of being arisen if you’re stuck in a tomb? As many of us know, angels appeared at the tomb and the stone was rolled away by the angel of the Lord (Matt 28:2). So what about us?

We all have our moments that we feel like stone or maybe even resemble stone more closely. It’s okay though, because stone can be chipped away at until it’s fine and more manageable. What we must do is let God chip away at our roughness and break it apart so that we become like a fine grain. Once a stone is broken down into it’s finest components, what we have left is a sand-like dust. Now instead of a barrier, we have what we need to create a path. When we become like that fine dust, we now have understanding, and we can become a path for others. That is what the gospel is. In the very heart of what we believe, it’s about community. It’s taking other stones and removing the obstacles, then they move on to do the same. That is salvation. It’s the path.

Final Thought

Are you feeling stiff? If so, maybe it’s time to allow God to begin chipping away at you so that you become like a fine dust. It’s an important decision and it’s not always easy because stones can’t change on their own and we must become a submissive object to God’s will. I will tell you though, it feels a lot better when things are broken down to something finer and more manageable. Please consider making the decision about this that is best for you and maybe even some others around you that you care about. Thank you for reading and God bless.

What are some areas in your life that are making you feel stiff?

How do you think softening up your life could be beneficial to yourself and others?