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Michelle DeRusha

Every Day Faith. Faith Every Day.

April 1, 2013 By Michelle 13 Comments

Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday: Empty-Tomb Euphoria

Have you ever experienced the unburdening of an unexpectedly good prognosis? Have you ever found a thing of great value that was lost? Have you ever felt the relief of a relationship reconciled? If so, you may understand some fraction of the shock and disbelief and rising euphoria that the women experienced at the tomb.

They have been at the lowest point of despair. As followers of Jesus, they had dedicated their work and mental energy and reputations to a ministry that was now in shambles. Their leader was dead, their comrades were in hiding and they came to the tomb to perform one final gesture of obedience to their Lord.

“So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, ‘Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!'” (Luke 24:3-6)

The stone is rolled away and the body of Jesus gone. They are reminded of the story he had foretold, and the mist begins to lift. Like the recipients of any incredible news, their first impulse is to run and tell others who will share the joy. They must be stumbling and crying for joy as they run.

That is the feeling of Easter: the perpetual second chance, the journey from weight to weightlessness, from despair to joy.

Today, as you walk into your day, take a deep, grateful breath and remember that grace has made every burden manageable and temporary. We are a people of empty-tomb euphoria. Let’s let our actions reflect our joy! He is risen; we are redeemed!

Dear Lord, thank you for flooding the world with redeeming grace. By your sacrifice we are made whole and given an example of perfect love to follow. Keep the message and the feeling of Easter joy foremost in our hearts, so that we might follow in your steps and spread the joy of your message to others. Amen. 

{This Easter devotion was written by my husband, Brad. And thank *you* for grace these last two weeks as I’ve scrambled to catch up on some other writing projects. I so appreciate the wiggle-room.}

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Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday: What To Do When Doubt Takes Your Breath Away
Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday: Nature Itself Mourns

Filed Under: Gospels, grace, Use It on Monday Tagged With: Easter, Gospel of Luke, Hear It on Sunday Use It on Monday

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy L. Sullivan says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:02 am

    The perpetual second chance…exactly what I’m in need of. Hope your Easter was wonderful, Michelle.

    Reply
  2. kendal says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:09 am

    i also loved that line – the perpetual second chance….

    Reply
  3. JoAnne Potter says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:33 am

    My favorite Easter images are the tomb stories: The miracle of light and life that occurred inside, away from any human eyes, and, next morning, the tender voice of Jesus soothing her with a simple, “Mary…”, followed by the instant of recognition. Allelulia.

    Reply
  4. laura says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:40 am

    With Amy, these words hooked me: The perpetual second chance. Oh, yes. Thank God for his grace.

    Reply
  5. Jillie says

    April 1, 2013 at 7:30 am

    “Empty tomb euphoria”!!! Amen, Brad. Amen!
    I wasn’t feeling the Spring of New Birth before Easter Sunday…but I’m feeling it now! The Joy of a world coming awake and alive after the long, cold winter. And the Joy of knowing He’s alive! and sitting at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us, providing the perpetual second chance! Glory Hallelujah!!!
    Beautiful post, so full of life and encouragement today. Thank you.

    Reply
  6. Lyli@3dLessons4Life says

    April 1, 2013 at 8:30 am

    This was lovely! Thank you, Brad and Michelle. I am so thankful for the hope of a new beginning. God is making all things new — including me. What a blessing!

    Reply
  7. Mia De Vries says

    April 1, 2013 at 8:43 am

    Dear Brad and Michelle
    I understand how the women must have felt, for we also experience deep valleys on our journey of life. But it brings us all so much joy to know that the tomb is empty so that our Lord Jesus can fill our hearts with Himself! We ne er have to walk alone again. Marvelous!
    Blessings
    Mia

    Reply
  8. Anita says

    April 1, 2013 at 9:02 am

    Hi Michelle and Brad,

    Thank you for the hope filled post. How many times have we been in situations like that, when God raises our head and shows how His grace is working to the fullest of His measure, for His glorious purposes. Amen,

    Reply
  9. Jen Ferguson says

    April 1, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    “Empty tomb euphoria.” Yes, let’s live like this every single day.

    Reply
  10. Laurie Collett says

    April 1, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    Amazing post & photo! Thanks for hosting & God bless!

    Reply
  11. Hazel Moon says

    April 2, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Dreams and goals were shattered and all seemed lost – – – The disciples were puzzled and terrified at every turn, and could they believe what these women were telling them now! Dismay and shock was still within them and it was difficult to believe, they like Thomas needed to see. Thank yoiu for sharing your lovely site

    Reply
  12. Hazel Moon says

    April 2, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    I have entered my daughter Nancy’s poem “I had a Dream” It blessed me and I hope it will bless you

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Because He Lives - Paradise Praises says:
    April 2, 2013 at 7:00 am

    […] This post is part of a blog hop called Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday. Read the other posts here. […]

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Living out faith in the everyday is no joke. If you’re anything like me, some days you feel full of confidence and hope, eager to proclaim God’s goodness and love to the world. Other days…not so much.

Let me say straight up: I wrestle with my faith. Most days I feel a little bit like Jacob, wrangling his blessing out of God. And most days I’m okay with that. I believe God made me a questioner and a wrestler for a reason, and I believe one of those reasons is so that I can connect more authentically with others.

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