The Day After

Holidays are great! The problem is the day after. It seems so anti-climatic. You prepare, anticipate, dress up, eat up, party up, and then nothing. The reality of life sets back in and you have to go back to work, the lawn needs mowing (again), laundry needs folding, garbage is overflowing, and the kids are demanding attention. The party is truly over. Sometimes it makes you question the desire or even necessity of the celebration itself.

Imagine the disciples the week of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The emotional swings. Their feelings ranged from the excitement of the triumphal entry to the despair of Jesus’ death on the cross; then from weeping with sorrow to weeping with joy at His resurrection. Those kinds of mood swings can be emotionally draining. You just want to take time off to contemplate the inside of your eyelids.

So what did the disciples do after the empty tomb? Jesus appeared to them on a number of occasions, and not only them but upwards of 500 people at one time. His resurrection wasn’t a quiet experience in a backroom hidden away. It was a bold PR move and I am sure the city of Jerusalem was abuzz with promise and questions. Yet, the disciples go fishing. John 21 records that Simon and the boys were hanging out and Peter says, “I am going fishing,” and the rest followed suit. It seems odd given all that had happened; yet it also is understandable. Three years following Jesus, the cross, and an empty tomb – now what? “Well, I guess it’s time to go back to work.” Events occurred the way Jesus intended but not the way the disciples expected. They were probably unsure as to what to do and they went back to what was familiar; then Jesus came. He provides a breakfast for the fishermen (who didn’t catch anything), he helps Peter deal with his emotional issues surrounding his denial of Jesus, and then he offered the same question (or was it a statement) that he offered years earlier, “And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’” It wasn’t over, it was just beginning!

Today is the day after Easter. The songs have been sung, the suits have been hung, and the ham is in the fridge ready for leftovers. But it isn’t over! Jesus is issuing the call to follow! And as he gently reminded Peter we have some work to do, we have a world to change, we have hearts to stir, we have a mission to accomplish, we have a call to answer, and a cross to bear every day.

Stop for second and ask how you will fulfill God’s call on your life today. Maybe it is calling someone who is hurting and praying with them. Maybe it is taking some greenbacks out of your wallet to help someone in need. Maybe it is initiating a conversation again with a friend, a family member, or co-working about what Christ has done in your life. Maybe it is reordering your life so you can financially help in God’s work. Maybe it is setting it all aside and going into the mission field. Maybe it is giving your kids a hug or your wife a kiss. Whatever it is do it for the glory of God. Read His Word, Walk in His Spirit, Live out His love and the world will know you are His disciples.

Let’s not wait until next Easter to have our hearts burn within us!

I'm Just Saying.....