Post Easter – Now What?

Earless chocolate bunnies and leftover hardboiled eggs in the frig (or still somewhere out hidden in the yard). Post-Easter. Now what? Do we rummage through the calendar for yet another holiday? Or plan an event to look forward to? What excites us about the future.  What about—daily? May I be so bold in asking, what causes our inside to burn with excitement? What consumes our mind and emotions? What drives our behavior?

Post-Easter.

Jesus’ resurrection is AMAZING!  WONDERFUL!  DIVINE! REDEEMING! However, let’s not stop there. There is MORE!  Let’s unpack this in brief summary.  Stay with me, this is good! Luke 24, it speaks of the women going to the tomb, once there they find two angels who notify them that Jesus was no longer there. He’s risen from the dead! The gals go back to tell the others. Peter, as energetic as he was, runs to go see and confirms.

Just following that, (v13) it says “Now that same day…”

The story continues to unfold, two were walking to Emmaus, who unknown to them at first, encounters Jesus. They are flabbergasted that this Stranger didn’t seem to know what had just transpired in Jerusalem.  Sharing their disappointment, “We had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Going on they explained how Jesus’ body was not found. Verse 27, “Then He (Jesus) started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to Him.”   WOW!  I’d love a one-on-one instant Bible study from the lips of the Master!

It wasn’t until Jesus was in their home, seated at their table, they accept the bread He offered, that their eyes were opened. It was here they had a revelation of Who He was. Could it be that as Jesus reached forward, giving the bread, the sleeve of His garment slid up and they could see His nail scarred hand? Could it be? The next exact moment, Jesus disappeared. I LOVE their response, “They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”  (v32)

Their hearts burning within them. I want spiritual heartburn! I want my soul, my mind, and thoughts—my passions, desires, and appetites to burn with Him and His Word! The word Luke chooses to use for “burning” is very colorful. It doesn’t mean to simply strike a match and light the kindling and watch it slowly give off heat. No, it RAVISHES through the wood and consumes it! 

Burn Lord!

Notice Jesus didn’t lay hands on them or put mud on their eyes for the revelation. He didn’t drift from the shore in a boat to speak to them. He didn’t even send them to the Priest for verification! He simply—walked with them. Walking and talking.  Sharing and eating. The narrative says they got up at once and went back to Jerusalem testifying that Jesus has indeed RISEN.

For us? The next time we find our seat at church or open the Bible for devotion time, let’s not daydream off to another place. Let’s do some focused walking and talking, a time of focused sharing.  Jesus told us, “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things” (John 14:26). We just need to show up for the lesson. Pay attention, take notes, and ask questions—engage in conversation. This (THIS) is the event. The daily event we will look forward to. Time with our God.

And burn Lord, BURN within us! 

Post-Easter.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).