Happy Easter!

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" Jn 11:25-26

What a great morning to read the resurrection accounts.

Matt 27:59f
Mark 16:2f
Luke 24:1f
John 20:1f
Acts 1:1-12

"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." John 20:31

It strikes me as fresh this morning that He came first to those closest to His grave and those farthest away (the two on the road to Emmaus). He visited in the morning and then in the evening.

The resurrection happens early and the revealing happens late. Some carry a secret that they tell in joy but few believe unless they see Him and He doesn't arrive until evening time to tell them.

Even on resurrection day God allowed for doubt. He gave room for the religious leaders to pay off the Romans.

The finished work of Christ happened early... before the world began it was planned and set in God's mind then executed step by step. But for many of us it was revealed late... after years of unregenerate living in ignorance or unbelief.

Some live their whole lives like some of those Roman guards at the tomb. A little money in their pockets, the promise of a cover up that will keep them safe (but fearful) and Jesus left behind in their rear-view mirror. Others are like Thomas and have a time of doubt before they fall to their knees and grace overwhelms them.

If we know grace we can live all day like Mary. Filled with joy and redemptive knowledge. No one's unbelief can dampen our joy. No one can quiet our song or stifle our laughter.

He is alive! He is risen and we are saved!