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PONDER:

Luke 24:1-49.
Notice how the characters in the story were slow to see what had actually happened–because a resurrection is nothing anyone expected!

REFLECTION:

It seems like the rate of technological advancement these days is so fast that we’re used to regularly hearing about new and amazing developments. For instance, I was talking with a friend recently about a future in which people don’t need a driver’s licence because self-driving cars take us where we need to go. It seems the sky is the limit to what mankind might achieve!
There is an event in history, however, that no human could ever have dreamed up. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the singular most amazing thing that has ever happened upon this earth. The Apostle Paul would later reflect on this event with wonder:

 

“No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this,
Never so much as imagined anything quite like it–
What God has arranged for those who love him.
But you’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you.”
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (the first three lines quoted from Isaiah 64:4)

 

As the women approached the tomb that Resurrection Sunday it was beyond their imaginations to consider that Jesus might not be laying in that cave anymore. They carried spices with them so that they could anoint and honour Jesus’ body, something they were not able to do right after he died or the following day (Saturday) since it was the Sabbath. They didn’t expect to find the grave empty.
But–to their amazement–Jesus is not there! What a wonder! What a surprise! What joy!
One can imagine their confusion and fear as the angel appears to them. One can also imagine the dawning of hope and realization as they begin to understand what Jesus was talking about.
Everything changes with the resurrection. It truly is the greatest accomplishment in history.
Paul reminds us of the great privilege we have on this side of the resurrection–”God by His Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you.” What grace and privilege we carry because of Jesus. May our lives be transformed by the wonder and miracle of the cross of Jesus Christ–and the empty tomb.

PRAYER:

God, we truly have no words to express our amazement and wonder at the miracle of the empty tomb. Your power is truly unmatched. We rely on You. We humbly offer ourselves to You in response to Your love for us. We love you. Thank you. Amen.

PRACTICE:

Spend time today expressing wonder and praise to God. Go for a walk and express your thanks, or, journal some of your admiration and awe.