Easter Devotional
The unexpected empty tomb
Michael V. Mallick, Minister, Jefferson Street Christian Church

[April 02, 2015]  The other day it hit me, when Jesus died on the cross His followers did not know there would be an empty tomb. Christians, on this side of Easter, have to work to understand that fact.

All of my life I have faced the fact of Good Friday with the knowledge of what was around the corner…Easter. My alarm was always tempered by anticipation. That was not the case with the disciples. To them, the world as they had known it for the last three years, had stopped. The shock of the events that had just taken place, and the exhaustion of all that had gone on over the last week, left them emotionally drained and depleted. All their hopes had been tied to Jesus; they believed He was going to lead them to a new and great life. The disciples were common men who had been living a dream and perhaps for the first time felt important. They may have felt as if they were making a difference - then as suddenly as it all started - it was all gone!

I’m sure there are many people who can relate to the disciples’ feelings. People who had high hopes but for numerous reasons those hopes and dreams came crashing down. Ever been there? Ever felt all alone? Ever felt like the work that needs to be done is a bigger job than you can handle? Ever felt the pressure to achieve? Ever feel like you groan more than you laugh? Ever experience the sting of a friend, child, mate, or spouse die?

Ever had that treadmill feeling: running faster but getting nowhere? All of those are what I like to call a Saturday-like experience. Saturday-like experiences lead to doubt, depression, fear, and worry. And if you have ever experienced those feelings, you can begin to understand the sadness of the disciples. But in understanding their sadness, it helps us to better understand their joy.

I can only imagine that when the disciples finally got to talk, walk, touch, and spend time with the resurrected Jesus they must have felt exuberant joy! I have the feeling they weren’t sure if they should cry, sing, laugh, or dance. Someone might have even had to remind them to breathe. The physical resurrection of Jesus changed everything for the disciples. They went from mourning to celebrating, from despair to hope.

What was true for the disciples is true for us. No matter what we face, no matter what difficulties we experience, no matter how bleak things may appear, the resurrection of Jesus brings light to our “Saturday darkness.” The message of Easter is that Jesus lives! And because He lives everything has changed. Has the resurrection made a difference in your life?