The Day After

by Jane Josephs

“After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive.” –Acts 1:3

There’s nothing better than visiting my daughter and grandchildren in Chicago! But then, inevitably, there’s the let-down when I come home. I’m worn out from traveling; jet-lagged from changing time zones and faced with the dreaded suitcase full of dirty laundry. The “day after” is not my favorite.

Jesus’ disciples must have felt the same way—and worse—after the crucifixion. But, as we know and have just celebrated, that wasn’t the end of the story. Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. What do you suppose the “day after” Easter Sunday looked and felt like for the disciples?

Luke is very matter-of-fact about what happened, giving us only eight verses in the opening chapter of Acts about the way Jesus interacted with His disciples the next day. (No mention of what must have been going on in the headquarters of the Romans, but I can imagine the chaos, can’t you?) No, Luke calmly says, He (Jesus) “gave many convincing truths that He was alive,” gave “instructions through the Holy Spirit,” and “spoke about the kingdom of God.”

The day after He rose from the dead, Jesus was all about continuing to do the business of the Kingdom of God. But nothing was ever the same for those followers, or for us, or for the whole world either!

The day after was just the beginning!

Dear Lord, Thank You for defeating death and the grave! And thank You for giving us many opportunities to celebrate and share the event that changed the world—Your resurrection victory. Help us keep our eyes on You and follow Your ways always. Amen.