Life After Easter

Now that we’ve come through our Easter celebrations, I can’t help but wonder what life was like for Jesus’ first group of followers after Easter—i.e. the day after Jesus’ resurrection. I know what life is like for most of us after Easter Sunday. 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—and thus, life 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? Did their lives just go on as before? 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 lives and their world upside-down. 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.I think the same ought to be true of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus was not meant to merely give us one more holiday to celebrate. Rather, his resurrection was meant to turn our lives around as we experience his life at work within us each and every day. And his resurrection is what gives us hope not only for this life but for the life to come. The resurrection of Jesus ought to energize us, excite us, and cause us to live lives filled with purpose and hope.

“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 these days after Easter, and every day that follows, be filled with the life of our risen Savior!

Have a great day!

- Pastor Harris