April 20 | Luke 24:1-12
- Elaine Pierce
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Surprise!
By Elaine Pierce
Have you ever been surprised - I mean really surprised? I recently attended a surprise birthday party, and the look on my friend's face when he walked into a room full of his friends and family was well worth the time spent huddled together waiting for him to arrive. I've been surprised on several milestone birthdays, and I must be a trusting soul, because I never suspected that my family was plotting to throw a party. After the initial shock, it's fun to celebrate with those you love, and when the dust settles, you look back and realize how many clues you missed that something was afoot.
The women went to the tomb 'very early in the morning' to anoint Jesus' body with oils, as was the custom for Jewish burial. Lo and behold, were they ever surprised - his body was gone. And to add to this shock, "two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them....."Why do you look for the living among the dead: He is not here; he has risen! (v. 4,6)"
To say they were surprised - and troubled - is an understatement. And when they report what happened to the disciples, they are met with disbelief. Not doubt, not suspicion, flat-out disbelief: They did not believe the women because their words seemed to them like nonsense. (v. 11).
Yes, they missed all the clues. Jesus told them time and again that he would die and rise again (Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 8:31, Mark 9:31, and Luke 9:22).
They heard what they wanted to hear. They wanted a King, a savior who would conquer the hated Romans and restore Jews to their rightful place in the world. They, like us, didn't fully understand God's plans and God's character. I am reminded of what Paul says in I Corinthians 13:12:
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Today, as we celebrate Easter (He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!) and we enjoy time with our families, take time to soak in the wonder of what Jesus did for us on the cross. We don't share the surprise and wonder of those disciples who on that first Easter, found the tomb empty, but we share their excitement that one day, he will make all things new, and we will fully understand and fully worship him in spirit and in truth.
Happy Easter! He is Risen!
PRAYER
Lord, on that first Easter morn, your faithful followers were troubled when they found the tomb to be empty. Today I rejoice that you have risen, and I praise you and thank you for saving me from sin and death. You might find joy in praying this beloved Easter hymn:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
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