My brother and I shot up in bed when a huge BOOM! exploded outside. We were sleeping at our grandparent’s house when lightning struck. No one was hurt (except for a majestic tree splintered by the strike). Even after the adults calmed us down I lay awake, wondering when the next explosion might fall from the sky.

The guards surrounding the tomb of Jesus glimpsed the power behind the power of lightning. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel’s body appeared as compressed lightning, blinding eyes and scorching flesh. These hardened professional soldiers fainted dead away, overcome by fear.

If one angel can do such damage, what might a thousand accomplish? How might the splendor of God himself, the Creator of this angel, manifest to you and me? Apparently his brilliance would fry us (as God told Moses, no one can see my face and live).

I hold no real idea of the power and glory of God. Pictures are painted in Scripture, but experiences are rare. These pagan guards caught a glimpse, as did the women who arrived at the tomb and conversed with the angel (he toned down for them). I can only watch a lightning storm and try to imagine a man made of such stuff standing before me.

I constantly misconstrue or ignore the magnificence of God. But someday I’ll see him in full regalia and better appreciate the power behind the power.

Matthew 28 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Max LaRochelle