RUSSELL SANDERS
11-25-2025
A HOLY PRESENCE

The resurrection of Jesus from the tomb was a miraculous and holy event as recorded in Matthew 28:1-7. There was a huge stone covering the opening of the tomb. The angel of the Lord descended, rolled it back, then sat on top of it. There had been soldiers posted as guards to make sure nobody tampered with the tomb to steal the body of Jesus.

In verses 3-4 it records their experience, “His (the angel’s) countenance was like (flashing) lightning, and his raiment was (shining) white as snow. And for fear of (the angel) the keepers (soldiers) did shake (and tremble) and (then) became (like) as dead men.” The Amplified version describes their experience in verse 4 as, “The guards shook, paralyzed with fear (at the sight) of him and became like dead men (pale and immobile).” at the angel’s presence.

However, later, the angel spoke kindly to the women that showed up, and they had no fear of him at all. They loved God and were devoted to Jesus. They were of God’s righteous ones, while the soldiers were unrighteous.

This shows a classic encounter of holiness with unholiness. Unholiness trembles in the presence of true holiness.

We are instructed by God to be holy. In 1 Peter 1:16 it says, “It is written (in Leviticus 11:44), ‘Be ye holy, for I (the LORD) am holy.’”

We are to be a reflection of His holiness and righteous, the light of Christ being within us. As we live holy unto the Lord, those that are not living holy will tremble at our presence.