Some would have been certain it might happen. Most probably had no clue. But I imagine the looks on the faces when it was learned that Christ had risen. I imagine my face had I been there.
The doubters, upon learning the news, must have quickly begun making up an explanation that would confirm they were still safe being doubters. Thieves in the night did it. But even the believers must have gone off in their private places to be quiet, to consider in their minds just how massive this event was then and would be in the future. I can see myself being stunned even if I had no doubts. The silence would be both warm and thrilling as I, and they, replayed the scene over and over of this physical rise. After all, He was in that tomb. He was a real person. That was a body.
But the private pause, as special as it would have been, doesn’t compare to the jubilations in their hearts. I imagine it being intoxicating fueled by joy risen to its highest level, higher than anything ever felt before. That revelation would change the look on their faces forever. Often smiling, but most often with a different kind of glow. The kindness that shines in the eyes. That look reflective of looking into the eyes of Christ; The Person of God that was seen and touched. Can you imagine you looking at Him and, most importantly, Him looking into your eyes?
Can you place yourself there? Watching it as much as you could soak in? Feeling the joy coursing through your body with a new energy? Perhaps the part only vaguely realized in that moment is that His joy can be invoked over and over again for all the days of our lives. One might never have an absence of His joy, but we are fortunate to have times of prayer and worship to allow that joy to rise to the highest level to match that special day. It happened! Place yourself there on this Easter morning. LFM
Let's Talk About It, Lewis! 