OH LORD, ROLL THAT STONE AWAY!
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 28:1-6
"And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it." – Matthew 28:2
Supporting Texts: Mark 16:3-4, John 11:39-44, Isaiah 45:2, Zechariah 4:7, Psalm 24:7-10
INTRODUCTION:
When Jesus was buried, a great stone was placed at the entrance of His tomb to prevent any interference. However, on the third day, an angel came down from heaven and rolled away the stone, ensuring that nothing could hinder the resurrection. This stone represents obstacles, delays, hindrances, and powers working against divine destiny. Just as God sent an angel to roll away the stone for Jesus, He will also remove every barrier in your life and destiny.
1. THE MEANING OF THE STONE AT THE TOMB
The stone that sealed Jesus’ tomb represents different kinds of obstacles in our lives.
a) The Stone of Hindrance
It prevents people from stepping into their divine purpose (1 Thessalonians 2:18).
b) The Stone of Oppression
It signifies burdens, struggles, and afflictions (Isaiah 10:27).
c) The Stone of Delay
It symbolises stagnation and postponed breakthroughs (Daniel 10:12-13).
d) The Stone of Death
It represents situations that seem hopeless and irreversible (Ezekiel 37:3).
e) Biblical Example:
Daniel faced the stone of opposition when he was thrown into the lions’ den, but God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:17-22).
2. THE ROLE OF THE ANGEL IN ROLLING AWAY THE STONE
God sent divine help to remove the obstacle at Jesus’ tomb.
a) Angelic Assistance in Difficult Times
God dispatches angels to intervene when human effort is not enough (Hebrews 1:14).
b) The Angel Came at the Right Time
Divine help arrives at God’s appointed season (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
c) The Angel Used Supernatural Power
The resurrection power of God breaks every limitation (Ephesians 1:19-20).
d) The Angel’s Presence Terrified the Guards
Every enemy monitoring your progress will be scattered (Psalm 68:1).
e) Biblical Example:
Peter was imprisoned, but an angel came and rolled away the chains, setting him free (Acts 12:7-10).
3. WHY MUST THE STONE BE ROLLED AWAY?
Until the stone is removed, resurrection and breakthrough cannot manifest.
a) It Grants Access to Divine Promises
Jesus had to come out of the tomb for the fulfilment of prophecy (Luke 24:6-7).
b) It Destroys the Plans of the Enemy
The chief priests and Pharisees thought the stone would stop the resurrection, but they failed (Matthew 27:62-66).
c) It Brings Supernatural Acceleration
The moment the stone was rolled away, destiny took a new turn (John 20:1-9).
d) It Reveals the Power of God
The removal of the stone was a sign of divine victory (Romans 8:11).
e) Biblical Example:
Joshua faced the obstacle of Jericho’s walls, but when they shouted in faith, the wall fell down (Joshua 6:20).
4. HOW TO COMMAND YOUR STONE TO BE ROLLED AWAY
Every believer has the authority to call for divine intervention.
a) Engage in Prophetic Declarations
Speak God’s word over every closed door (Job 22:28).
b) Pray with Fervency
Persistent prayers remove spiritual barriers (Luke 18:1-8).
c) Exercise Your Faith
Faith moves mountains and removes obstacles (Mark 11:23).
d) Invoke Angelic Assistance
God’s angels are sent to help believers in times of need (Psalm 34:7).
e) Biblical Example:
Paul and Silas prayed and praised God, and the prison doors were supernaturally opened (Acts 16:25-26).
5. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE STONE IS REMOVED?
When the stone is rolled away, supernatural events take place.
a) Resurrection Power is Released
Every dead thing in your life will come alive (John 11:43).
b) A New Beginning is Established
The removal of the stone signified the beginning of a new season (2 Corinthians 5:17).
c) Divine Speed and Restoration Manifest
Delayed blessings will be released suddenly (Joel 2:25).
d) The Glory of God is Revealed
Jesus’ resurrection proved God’s supremacy over all forces (Romans 6:4).
e) Biblical Example:
The Red Sea was an obstacle for Israel, but God rolled it away and made a path for them (Exodus 14:21-22).
CONCLUSION:
The stone that was meant to keep Jesus in the grave could not stop Him. Today, every obstacle hindering your progress must be rolled away. Just as an angel came down to remove the stone, God will send supernatural help to shift every limitation in your life. It is time to declare by faith: "Oh Lord, roll that stone away!"
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, send Your angels to roll away every obstacle in my life.
2. Every satanic stone covering my destiny, be removed now!
3. Lord, let the resurrection power of Christ work in my life.
4. I command every delay in my life to be broken in Jesus’ name.
5. Father, let every closed door be supernaturally opened for me.
6. I receive angelic assistance for my breakthrough today.
7. Lord, accelerate my destiny and remove every limitation.
May every stone of hindrance in your life be permanently removed, and may you experience supernatural breakthroughs in Jesus’ name! Amen!
