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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