That's No Joke!

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? (Luke 24:1-5 ESV). April Fool’s Day is upon us. It may be of interest for you to know it is an annual spring tradition that originated in France in the mid 1500’s by the decree of either King Charles the IX or Pope Gregory, historians aren’t really sure which one. Back in 16th century France, the new year began on April 1 but then King Charles and Pope Gregory implemented a new “Gregorian” calendar for the Christian world. It switched New Year’s Day from April 1 to January 1. Unfortunately, with communication in those days being without Face Book, IM, or Fox News, many didn’t hear about the change. Others obstinately refused to make the switch. Such backward people came to be labeled “fools” and were made the objects of practical jokes or sent on “fools’ errands.” This harassment evolved over time into the practice of prank-playing on the first day of April. After reading today’s verses, it dawned on me that the angels at the tomb could have been chucking a bit as they said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” chuckled. It was as if they were gently rebuking the women for looking for a dead guy in that tomb! Well, it’s no joke… not for them and not for us. Jesus is not among the dead. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our hope and peace. It is interesting that there are countless people today still trying to find Jesus among the dead. They gingerly dig ancient sites around Jerusalem trying to find some bones to prove the existence of Jesus. Can I remind you that it’s not up to you to figure out exactly how the molecular structure of a human body could circumnavigate the atoms of rock. It’s not up to you to reach a certain level of moral behavior or religious understanding to attain heaven. It’s up to Jesus. He did it for you. He is risen. Because Jesus is risen, you know that God has accepted his death as your punishment for guilt. Because Jesus is risen, you know that the greatest powers of evil cannot manipulate you in your weakest moment. Because Jesus is risen, you know that the gates of eternal paradise in heaven have been opened to you and your Christian loved ones who die in the Lord. Some churches still practice an ancient religious custom of gathering on the Sunday after Easter and trading jokes. Stories with unexpected endings, surprise twists, even a sense of humor – to remind each other that in his battle for our souls against the power of sin and Satan, and the finality of death, Jesus had the last laugh. Celebrate Jesus’ resurrection today. Live your resurrection every day. And you’ll be nobody’s fool.