Beyond Expectation

And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

Matthew 28:2-7
A fiery angel is by himself astonishing, let alone the news about to fall on their ears. These were dark days. In the minds of Jesus’ followers, there was no hope. Expectations were changing. He was presumed to be dead and mourning His loss was the agenda. They were by no means prepared to celebrate the risen Lord.

It is safe to say that many who knew Jesus and saw Him crucified reflected deeply on their time with Him. What did this all mean? Was He simply a great teacher and prophet? Where do we go from here? The news of His bodily resurrection would have been beyond expectation, far more than any of them considered. Their reaction is the proof.

Remember the first time you asked the question, “what’s next?” The same question can be asked by a man in two different ways: in the midst of despair and the midst of hope. The difference is Jesus. Let the hope of His expectation-shattering resurrection become the context of your manhood.

DO THIS TODAY: Talk with others about the hope you have in Jesus.