Loved ones, never did a day begin with such gloom and end with such glow! Those faithful women who had viewed the crucifixion from afar were now making their way to the garden plot where the body of Jesus had been tenderly laid. They were wondering how they would manage to roll aside the stone which blocked the entrance to the cave-like tomb.
The anguish of the stark tragedy which they had so lately witnessed was bearing heavily upon their minds. With aromatic ointments they proceeded to the burial site, ready to do this final service for their beloved Master. How amazed and how joyous they were upon hearing the angelic words: "He is not here, for He is risen!"
That same day, two of the men were on the road to Emmaus. The now risen Jesus joined their company and inquired as to their sorrowful looks and conversation. Not recognizing Him, they told of their Master's suffering and death, also of their Messianic expectations surrounding Jesus which now seemed shattered.
His exposition of the Old Testament Scriptures concerning the prophesied Messiah held them in spellbound fascination. After He separated from them, they rushed back to Jerusalem to hear the other disciples saying what they now knew: "The Lord is risen, indeed!" (Luke 24:34).
Yes, it was a day of gloomy sadness that soon brightened into a day of glowing gladness. Not only were the lost hopes of those living disciples gloriously restored, but their message has resounded with hope through all generations since.
“We gazed not in the open tomb, where once thy mangled body lay. Nor saw thee in that upper room, nor met thee on the open way. But we believe that angels said, ‘Why seek the living with the dead?’ But we believe that angels said, ‘Why seek the living with the dead?’ God is so good. We love you. Samuel – 5 June 26
