Happy Easter!
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. (Luke 24:1-12 ESV)
Just like Good Friday, there are so many different things that can be said regarding the Resurrection. We could point to it as the most compelling evidence that Jesus is exactly who he said he was, God in the flesh. We could talk about the victory it represents and how that same victory is now available to all believers. We can find courage in the reality that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, now resides in every believer. We could even break down every little detail surrounding the resurrection and the days that followed. Such a break down would paint an incredible picture of a God who has a purpose for everything He does.
However, my heart is captured by the last sentence in the above passage:
But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. (Luke 24:12 ESV)
Today, just stop. Forget about the cultural demands of this holiday and allow your mind to wander and “marvel” at the ramifications of a risen Savior. Our God is alive and our lives should reflect this truth.
Over the next few weeks I will be writing brief posts describing the moments that cause me to marvel at what God is doing or has done. I encourage you to join me in looking for the Holy Spirit’s fingerprints in your neighborhood.
Happy Easter, PAX!