Luke 23:56–24:12

Be still: Lord God, wake my soul to the wonder of who you are today and surprise me with how you want this day to go. Amen.  

Read: Luke 23:56b-24:12  

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! (v5-6) 

Encounter: I love a good surprise and I am terrible at anticipating them, which I think makes them more fun. A while ago, my husband threw me a surprise birthday party. I walked into my house after work, completely oblivious to the crowd waiting to jump out. My mind was so locked into the mundane routine of coming home that I was totally unprepared for the joy that was coming. 

The women, walking to the tomb carrying spices to anoint a corpse, were not expecting a surprise; they were expecting a dead body. Their minds were locked in the heavy, mundane reality of grief. But when they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty, they weren't instantly overjoyed; they were deeply perplexed. 

Then, two men in gleaming clothes broke apart their low expectations with a question: ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?’ The angels reminded them of Jesus’ own words and suddenly, the lights came on. They remembered. Yet, when they rushed back to tell the disciples, their testimony was dismissed as an 'idle tale'. It seemed too good to be true, with Peter running to see for himself, wondering what had happened. 

It can be easy for us to judge the disciples' lack of faith because we know the end of the story, but we frequently live with the same low expectations. We look for life in 'dead' places, in our achievements, our comfort, or the approval of others and we forget that our Saviour is very much alive and working. God gives us so much joy and life and is constantly surprising us with it.  

Apply: Where have you given up hope or settled for low expectations? Where are you looking for life among 'dead' things? Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of Jesus' promises today and to renew your mind with resurrection hope. 

Devote: Lord, forgive me for living with low expectations and forgetting your power. Thank you that the tomb is empty and that you’re alive. Help me to walk today in the joy and victory of your resurrection.