Digging Deeper – Rome Could Not Stop Him
“An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.”
Matthew 28:2 (NLT)
ROME COULD NOT STOP HIM
Rome was the most powerful empire in the world. They knew how to secure a tomb. They placed a stone in the opening, a seal threatening death for anyone who broke it, and soldiers were stationed to guard it. They had authority, power, and experience. If anyone could stop the resurrection, it was Rome.
Scripture reminds us that no human authority compares to God’s authority. Psalm 2:4 (NLT) says, “But the one who rules in heaven laughs.” Earthly power may look intimidating, but it is never ultimate. In Daniel 2:21 (NLT), we are told that God “controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” Rome thought it had control over the tomb, but God had control over history.
But when God moved, none of Rome’s power mattered. The earth shook. The angel came. The stone was rolled away. The guards collapsed in fear. All of Rome’s power could not keep Jesus in the grave. This is a great reminder that no earthly power can stop the plan of God. No authority, no plan, no foe is stronger than Him.
There was a dam built to hold back an enormous body of water. Engineers designed it to be nearly indestructible. Yet over time, pressure built behind it. Eventually, a small crack formed. That crack became a break, and the water rushed through with unstoppable force. No structure could contain it. In a much greater way, the resurrection power of God could not be held back. Once He moved, nothing could contain it.
What pressures or obstacles feel overwhelming to you? How does knowing God’s power is greater than any force or obstacle give you confidence to face today?
Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton. He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.
