Howdy!

 

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 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.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” (Matthew 28:1-9 ESV).

 

Happy Easter! I hope you have had a wonderful time of reflection and worship this past Lenten season. Today, I want us to end our reflections with one thought surrounding the word Jesus used when He revealed Himself to the disciples… “Greetings” (v. 9). Now, I’ve titled this devotional “Howdy.” That’s more of a playful way of turning our attention to the great joy of that moment. Jesus wanted His disciples to be filled with joy! He did not come to them to teach or lecture. He came to BE with them. In Texas, we simply say, “Howdy,” when we greet folks that we want to spend a bit of time with.

 

I suppose the Easter story could have gone differently. The angel could have said something like this: “He has risen, and—look—here he is!” And then there could have been cries of amazement, hugs, tears of joy, and dancing. What a great time that could have been! But instead the announcement was “He is not here... He is going ahead of you into Galilee.” Think of that. There is no invitation to stay at the tomb. The invitation is to go and follow where Jesus is leading.

 

So let’s not make a shrine of the tomb or turn the stone into a potential object of adoration. This is not where we need to stay. We need to be with the risen Lord. Going where He is going. The resurrection is opening a doorway to an entirely new life that is yet to unfold for Jesus’ followers—including you and me. He wants to walk with us. The Holy Spirit wants to dwell in us. He is simply saying, “Howdy!” Let’s stroll on down the way with Him! He is risen!