The Day After Easter

I wonder what the day after Easter—i.e. the day after Jesus’ resurrection—was like for Jesus’ first group of followers. I know what the day after Easter is like for most of us. We go back to work or school. After a day of celebration, we force ourselves to get back into the normal routine of life—albeit a little tired and a still a little full from all the food we’ve eaten. We ask each other, “How was your Easter?” and then go on to talk about the weather or the latest news items. We enjoyed the church services, but now it’s time to get back into the real world of schedules, stocks, and sports. Like the day after any holiday, the day after Easter can even seem to be a bit of a letdown.

But I wonder, is that the way it was for Jesus’ first followers the day after they experienced the risen Christ? Did they just get back to the normal routines of their lives? Was it a day of letdown? I don’t think so.

I tend think that when they woke up that Monday morning they had to first of all ask themselves, had yesterday really happened? And, when they realized that it had, hope was birthed anew within each of their hearts. As they sought each other out they didn’t ask, “How was your yesterday?” Rather, they spoke about today, and tomorrow, and the days that would follow. Most of all, they spoke about Jesus, reminding each other that truly he was alive! They knew that the resurrection of Jesus was not just something to remember, but an event that would impact their lives far into the future, even into eternity!

The fact that the One whom they had seen crucified was now alive turned their world around. Thus, they couldn’t help but spread the news. And, not only did they celebrate once a year but they lived lives of celebration, knowing that because Jesus lived, they too would live.

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11-NIV)

“By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.” (1 Corinthians 6:14-
NIV)

May your day after Easter, and every day that follows, be filled with the life of our risen Savior!

Have a great day!

-Pastor Tim Harris

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