4/6/15: The Day After Easter

#LifeThatMatters

What happened the day after Jesus’ followers discovered He had risen from the dead? It’s interesting that we’re not told directly about that day. In Acts 13:30-31 Paul preached that Jesus hung around a while after His resurrection. “But God raised Him from the dead. He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people” (NKJ, emphasis added). Still, of the next day after that first realization of His resurrection, the Bible is silent.

If it had been today, Jesus’ every move would have been posted on Facebook and His every appearance would have been chronicled on Instagram. He’d be swarmed by the paparazzi and the press would be hounding him.

“Show us your hands, Jesus.”

“Do the wounds in your feet hurt when you walk?”

“What facial products are you using to heal those scars around your head left by that crown of thorns? Do you still have that crown? Will you be selling it on eBay soon?

But we hear none of this hubbub. After His appearance to and verbal exchange with the women outside the tomb, His disciples in their hiding room, and the followers on the road, we just know He basically hung out with many others before His ascension back to Heaven. No other details are shared.

Evidently, the details of the days between the resurrection and ascension are immaterial. All we need to know is the ultimate effect. The fact that Jesus was alive again was enough to ignite a fire in His followers that has not been extinguished to this day. Acts 17:6 describes the apostles as people “who have turned the world upside down.”

It’s our job to continue what was started by those first Christ-followers. The eggs have been hunted, the lilies have been enjoyed, and the pictures have been taken. In church, services have been attended, the Resurrection songs have been sung, and the sermons have been preached. Let’s not forget about Easter just because the day has passed. We have been energized for the rest of the year. It’s time to continue to turn the world upside down with the good news of the Gospel. The resurrected Lord appeared to us too through our celebration of the day, His life still matters, and His message makes a difference. Keep spreading the message: He is risen indeed!

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©2015 Sharon Norris Elliott. Feel free to forward this devotion in its entirety, including this copyright line. Leave comments, ask questions, read past devotions, or subscribe to receive these devotions daily in your e-mail at www.sanewriter.wordpress.com. Also, periodically check in at www.LifeThatMatters.net to see what’s going on in the ministry.

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