Tomorrow is Easter ... Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “Wow, this guy has been cooped up in the house and self-distancing too long.” It’s been said that without the familiar routines of our everyday lives every day seems to blend into the other. And, it’s true, that as a result, a lot of us wake up each morning wondering “What day is it?” But tomorrow is Easter I assure you.

When construction takes place in a rocky area crews must often use explosives. A series of warning whistles are are the announcement that the earth will soon shake. On Easter morning the earth shook. But there were no signal whistles announcing that the earth would shake. And there’s a good reason for that. In this case it was just the opposite. The earthquake itself was the signal to bring attention to a very important announcement.

On Sunday, we celebrated Easter. We joined in giving thanks to God for the resurrection of our Savior. However, with our current circumstances it may not have felt like Easter. It may have felt like Easter was on hold this year. But in Colossians, Paul reminds us that we are more than spectators of the amazing events of our Savior's resurrection. As a result of what Jesus has accomplished for us, here's a celebration that hasn't been put on hold. We live this Easter victory and new life in Christ right now.

Matthew tells us that when the women were returning from the grave, and saw the risen Jesus, "They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him." They clasped His feet!? Isn't that an interesting detail? It's easy to miss. And yet it's one that Matthew specifically notes here in this verse and it’s a detail that the Holy Spirit inspired him to include when reporting on these events. As it turns out, it's more than simply an interesting bit of trivia. It reveals something that's too amazing to overlook.

Remember learning how to ride a bike? If you look down at your pedals, and everything rushing by your side, it's easy to become overwhelmed and frightened. That's when our wheels begin to wobble and we skin our knees. Life must have seemed really unbalanced and overwhelming for the disciples in those early hours on Easter morning. And everything you and I are facing right now, in this pandemic, might also leave us feeling unsteady and overwhelmed. But here is where the resurrection of our Savior changes everything!

Where is Jesus? Imagine how puzzled the women must have been on Easter morning as they arrived at the grave. Luke reports, “They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” John even tells us that Mary stood outside of the tomb crying. Where is Jesus? That same question is being asked today as we celebrate this Easter season in the midst of the pandemic. As we watch the headlines, many have wondered, “Where is Jesus?” The events of Easter provide us with the unshakable and joyful answer.

It’s hard to look at the artwork that depicts Jesus handing on the cross with the two criminals on either side. Like John the disciple, Jesus’ mother, and the women, we are observers who can only look up in tears to watch what unfolds. But imagine what the view was like from up on the cross itself and looking down. Three individuals that day had this unique view. Faith enables you and me to see beyond our circumstances. You may only see your sin, guilt and shame. The reality is that your Savior is right by your side as well.

After His suffering was complete, Matthew tells us that Jesus cried out, bowed His head and died. But then he tells us, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” This was no small event. In fact, it lets you know that it's no longer "curtains for you."

What a meal! On Sunday morning, our congregation has one of the best Easter breakfasts I have ever seen. We have eggs and bacon, fresh fruit, sausage and biscuits, a variety of different kinds of waffles and pancakes, fruit juice and so much more. It’s amazing! And I’m sure that’s the case at your church as well … except this year. With social distancing and staying at home we will have to wait to enjoy this meal together again. That's true for another very special meal that is hosted by our Savior Himself. But what a wonderful day it will be when we get to share it again!

How do you and I follow in Jesus' footsteps this Holy Week? There are a variety of different activities that folks undertake to do this. I try to have in mind what it must have been like as I read through the Gospels. I imagine that you may do the same thing. But you and I are more than mere spectators riding along on a tour bus viewing the sites and sounds of our Savior's Passion. ?Through faith you are actually following in His footsteps. And the apostle Paul describes the amazing manner by which God has brought this about.