Easter Is More Than One Day
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” -- John 20:19-21
It is the day after Easter. Now what? Is this Monday just another day? Or has our Risen Lord changed you?
Jesus’ followers had watched Him die on a cross. They had seen the body for themselves. They were afraid the same would happen to them. They were afraid death was just around the corner.
And then Jesus appeared and everything changed -- again. Just as Jesus had changed their lives when He called them to follow Him the first time, His reappearance after death was beyond amazing. How could it be? He was dead, wasn’t He? But He wasn’t dead because He was here, before them. They saw the wounds. He was alive. Jesus was alive!
And that changed everything.
These people who cowered in fear became bold in their faith. All the disciples except for John would die a martyr’s death, as would others. It didn’t matter. Jesus had defeated death! That meant dying would bring them home to their Lord. It was worth any cost.
What is your faith worth to you? What would you be willing to sacrifice for Jesus? Sadly, most of us really aren’t willing to sacrifice anything. What would you be willing to do? How far are you willing to go to truly be like Jesus?
People will learn about Jesus through us. We can tell them the gospel story -- certainly that’s a good thing -- but they will truly “hear” the story by watching how we live. Do you consider that as you live the days of your life?
Do you put people down because they are poor, snidely remarking that they should “get a job,” without ever knowing their story? Do you look down on someone because of their skin color, their faith or the neighborhood where they live? Do you use foul language at other drivers? Do you get impatient when you have to wait your turn in line?
Our attitudes reflect our hearts. Does your heart reflect Jesus? Has the resurrection changed you? Or do you go through your days as though nothing has changed?
Easter isn’t meant to be lived on only one day of the year. Remember that today and in all the days to come.
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