I stood out in the Spring California desert looking through the lens of my Sony A6000 mirrorless camera at the multi–colored sky filling my view. And then, suddenly, I noticed movement on the landscape. Three mallard ducks were flying overhead. I moved quickly to attempt to capture them in the scene.
I imagine the first Easter morning in Jerusalem for the women in the garden walking toward the tomb of the one they loved called Jesus. Hearts were heavy. Shock was palpable. And then they saw unexpected movement there at the tomb. The stone had been rolled away, and suddenly "two men stood by them in dazzling clothes." There were no cameras. But the vision was most likely etched in the minds and hearts of these women forever. The text tells us that "the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground" (Luke 24:5). The two men sent by God asked, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, but he has risen."
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. He is our Easter Sunrise from on high. Luke began his gospel with this beautiful name for our Savior: "the Sunrise from on High."
Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:78-79
And he ends his gospel revealing that the Sunrise from on high has truly risen indeed. Jesus is alive. And He is with you even now. His presence in you makes every difference in your life, no matter what you face today.
Bessie Porter, beloved hymnwriter, penned these words, expressing hope in the promise of a sunrise today –
There shall be a performance of those things, O trusting heart, the Lord to thee hath told; Let Faith and Hope arise, and plume their wings, And soar towards the sunrise clouds of gold; The portals of the rosy dawn swing wide, Revealing joys the darkening night did hide.
Bessie Porter in Streams In The Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman
This Easter, dear friend, your Easter sunrise is from "on high." His name is Jesus. And He will be your light in the darkness, your guidance in times of stress, your peace in perplexity, your comfort in sorrow, and your strength in trial. He is literally the wind beneath your wings, giving you power to fly above any circumstance.
Dear Lord, this Easter I want to thank You that You are the Sunrise from on High. Thank You for being the light of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Blessings ♡ Grace
