The resurrection is the most joyful event in history.

Think about the contrast felt by Jesus’ followers. He was crucified on Friday. The hopes that they had for their king to rule were dashed. They were banking on an earthly rule and being rescued from the oppression of Rome. Now their king was dead. Their expectations died with him.

The disciples scattered. Their faith vanished in a day. They didn’t want to be caught as one of Jesus’ followers. Three years of their lives were wasted following a dream. The foolish eleven shamefully faced going back to their jobs.

Then came Easter.

The two Marys were at the tomb and witnessed the supernatural:

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.” (Mathew 28:2 NIV)

If that wasn’t astonishing enough, the angel spoke to the women:

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7 NIV)

The two Marys were the first to experience what all believers have experienced since that day.  Absolute . . . incomprehensible . . . outrageous . . . overflowing . . . JOY!

“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Matthew 28:8 NIV)

They were filled with joy. Sorrow, depression and hopelessness were chased away by a God-given joy that reigned inside them. 

How long has it been since you’ve taken time to consider the miracle of the resurrection? Not just a passing intellectual acknowledgment, but immersing yourself in the contrasting scenes: the crucifixion and the resurrection. You’ll understand why the two Marys were filled with joy.

That same joy can flood your soul. 

Pull out or click on your Bible. Slowly read through Matthew 27 and 28. View the stark contrast between the dashed hope of the crucifixion and the renewed hope of the resurrection. 

Let God speak to you in this unhurried space. Allow your senses to go to those scenes two thousand years ago. Be wrapped up in the wonderful story of Jesus’ resurrection.

Our joy rests in the truth that we, too, will be resurrected to be with Jesus. Forever. There is no greater blessing we can experience. It transcends any earthly pain we are suffering now.

May your joy be renewed today in such a way that every destructive thought or emotion is chased out of your life . . . just as they were chased out of the followers of Jesus two thousand years ago. Happy Easter!

(From my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback.