Jubilation

Easter Sunday is a day of jubilation—Jesus has risen from the dead! Hallelujah! But do you know what happens on Monday? Silence. Confusion. Doubt.

The disciples, much like many of us, had a hard time wrapping their minds around the miracle. They didn’t jump out of bed on Monday with “Resurrection Power!” playing in the background. They were just as confused and uncertain as we often are after moments of spiritual clarity.

The week after the resurrection was filled with more questions than answers. When Jesus appeared to the disciples, they were “terrified and frightened” (Luke 24:37). They thought they were seeing a ghost! Can you imagine that? The greatest moment in human history, and their first reaction was fear. It’s almost like they had to hit the “reset” button on their understanding of reality.

But Jesus, with a twinkle in His eye (I imagine), reassured them: “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts?” (Luke 24:38). Translation: “Did you not hear me when I said I’d rise again?” Sometimes, it takes a little time to fully process what God is doing in our lives. We’re all just walking through the stages of our own Easter Monday—trying to believe that the impossible can happen, and that Jesus really did win.

How often do we encounter moments of wonder or miracle, only to let doubt creep in afterward?

The truth of Easter isn’t just for one day. It’s for every day.

What “doubts” might you need to release this week to truly walk in the resurrection power of Christ?

Blessings!
Pastor Jonathan W. Pannell III