Easter Monday

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Don’t be fooled by the title of today’s eDevotion. I’m not suggesting that Christians have celebrated Easter on the wrong day for centuries. I’m merely pointing out that Easter isn’t over because it isn’t “Easter Sunday!”

On one of my trips to Israel, I remember standing outside Gordon’s Calvary and the Garden Tomb. Many people think it is the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. As I moved toward the door of the cave that morning, I read the words on a wooden sign at the entrance: “He is not here, He is risen.” The wonder of that statement brought me to my knees as it has millions of people since the original Easter morning. The wonder of the resurrection seemed to flood over my soul. 

“He is not here; for He has risen, just as He said,” the angels told the women that morning [Matthew 28:6]. That marked an event unparalleled in history. Let it sink in for just a moment. Nothing that happened to Jesus came as a surprise, especially His death and resurrection - they happened “just as He said.” Yet His followers didn’t remember or understand what He said. 

Death came so suddenly, so violently, so real. But in the space of three days, everything changed! The women, the disciples, and others were awe struck as they encountered the resurrected Jesus face to face. As you can imagine, it didn’t take long for word to get around. From the get-go, they started telling everyone about it. It’s as though they went around shouting the Good News; He is Risen. Indeed!

Can we do any less? 

He is risen… the sacrifice accepted.

He is risen… the price of sin has been paid in full.

He is risen… righteousness has replaced wrath.

He is risen… new life begins.

So it’s Easter Monday, then Easter Tuesday… the day doesn’t matter. We are Easter people! As Christ followers, we live with the on-going power of the resurrection. Let the wonder of Easter cause you to worship Him, and compel you to tell others!

Then go quickly and tell His disciples, “He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there. Listen, I have told you.” … Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.” … Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 20:7, 10, 19-20