EASTER: THE WEEK AFTER

Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

Have you ever considered what the week after Easter was like for the disciples? I think it was much different than it is for us today. You know in today’s society there is so much to occupy our minds and schedules with. Not so much in the first century. Let’s look at some things to consider about our response to Easter.

When I was growing up, Easter, like other holidays was looked forward to. As a child, Easter was taught in my home that it was the Resurrection of Christ from the grave, but as a child to be honest, I was looking forward to that basket of candy. Easter wasn’t as big as Christmas but it was still a time to get interesting things. I have loved since the beginning Easter bunny (the hollow kind) and Cadbury crème eggs! I remember there would be some small toy included in my basket. Certainly those are not bad things. As I got older, Easter began to take on a more spiritual meaning. It was always a day people dressed up to go to church (a practice I wished would be every Sunday) and lily’s would adorn the church and flowers everywhere would be in bloom, it was a great day to look forward to! But when it was over, life went on to its routine. That is sad. Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, was the greatest event in human history for it was the guarantee that Christ did what He said He would do by conquering death and the grave so that by His resurrected life we have the same eternal promise that we shall live with Him also. There is no greater truth! Certainly no greater joy. So why does it seem that the week after Easter we kind of come down from the euphoria of what has been done in our behalf? Why is the empty tomb just sort of put away like a Nativity Set for another year? The answer I believe is a shallow or anemia of spiritual growth.

We should never get over what was done for us! The disciples after hearing the glad tidings of “He is not here, He is risen!” were filled with awe and fear but it so impacted their lives that they never recovered, in fact devoted the rest of their lives relentlessly telling the world about Jesus, costing each of them their very lives. The week after Easter was just as strong for them as it was the first day. Can we be the same? Can we get over our preoccupation with earthly things that it doesn’t pack away the joy from that blessed morning at the empty tomb? Yes we can. Let’s consider how.

1.      Consider afresh where your life would be each day without the Resurrection. You see the Resurrection is not just an annual holiday, it’s a life changing day that is to be celebrated in our hearts and lives every day of the week. Without the Resurrection we have no hope and all that we sing about in church or talk about in Bible study, or participate in has all its roots in this day. We need to realize that the Resurrection is our origin of faith. Without it, we have a religion, not a relationship. We have a leader not a Savior. We have a set of values not an Inspired Word. We have a social club, not a church.

2.      We need to honor the work done and the price paid. I remember there were times when a debt was owed that every payment date was kind of dreaded, but when the relief of that debt was lifted, it changed our perception and joy on life. There can be no greater relief than realizing what has been paid on our behalf. We tend to forget what has been done for us. It is time to appreciate how sinful we are and were and how much love really was poured out for us.

3.      We need to seek a fresh installment of joy! The disciples were so glad to hear that the Lord was risen! He was there closest friend and teacher. Now I will grant you it is easier to get happy and joyful over something seen. Obviously they saw the awful crucifixion. The saw the empty tomb and the angel. They saw the Lord Himself appear before them. What privilege! Yet, we have inside of us the Holy Spirit living and testifying of Christ in our lives. We may not see these things with our eyes, but we have faith and have the witness of them in our hearts which is where the joy comes from. We too have the expectation like the disciples that our faith will be sight! Renew your joy by asking God for a fresh look at all that was paid for you. It can do nothing but execute joy in you! To think how unworthy we are and concentrate on what we deserved, then realize what Jesus did will spark afresh a flame of joy which leads us to our last point.

4.      We should serve others in His name. Many times we lack the joy of the Resurrection and go back to our humdrum lives because we don’t keep the fire going in service. 1 John tells us that we love Him because He first loved us and that love is what motivates us to selfless service. When I was growing up in church, I really don’t remember service being emphasized so much from week to week. There was a great push for soul winning which is great service, but there is so much more also. Serving the Lord comes in many forms from calling a friend in hardship, making a meal for a shut in, visitation, helping the work inside the church (cleaning, office details, etc.), praying regularly for others, uplifting weary hearts, teaching Sunday school, singing, carrying the gospel wherever you go. When we serve the Lord for His glory then we are at our best and the Resurrection is forefront on our minds and hearts. It is because of this act on this day that all else stems. If you want real joy in the Lord, serve Him with a pure and sincere heart, you will notice a change!

Does Easter go beyond the basics in your life? Does the week after Easter find you in the same place as the week or two before Easter? Make sure you stay focused not necessarily on the day but on the work of the day that was done for you and all for you that you may become more like Christ in your life and your eternity forthcoming.

Easter is not a day, not a state of mind; it is a lifestyle of contagious joy others need to see in you.

image credit Tonya Christner