We might be tempted to think that there wasn’t too big a shift in the atmosphere and that life went on pretty much as normal for the ordinary citizens who lived at the time of the resurrection of Christ. But what if it didn’t? What if nothing ever felt quite the same afterwards?
Such a cataclysmic event was earth and world shattering in its effects. The news about it spread over the whole known world. The story of the resurrection got shared year after year, retold with wonder, speculation and awe to future generations. And it still is.
Because God’s evident, sacrificial love for us and the hope it brings to human hearts has spread faster than any virus can, multiplying exponentially nation to nation.
It affects everyday people from every stratum in society, turning humdrum lives upside down in the process. The message the resurrection imparts brings us deep rest when all else is unsettled and shaken, including our emotions.
So let’s consider how one ordinary person, just like you and me, might have reacted to the resurrection, to this shift in their expectations and experience, followed by an adjustment to a new normality.
“At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.” ― Matthew 27:51-53 NLT
A shift
There’s a shift
where identity used to sit
like an old cardigan,
well-worn, moth-eaten
but familiar
because it became part
of me, what I always wore.
Now I don’t know what fits
me anymore
or suits the woman
I have become
since the earth shook, since Sunday
and a man took
on death to set us free.
Tombs broke open
and people were raised
to life again
like they had never died,
restored to their
loved ones, their families
as if they’d
never left them bereft.
And it is whispered
that this world
is just a stepping stone
to somewhere
better, a place of beauty
where we can sit
and think and dream and breathe
and bask in who we are,
who we were created to be.
© joylenton
God Himself changes not. He is totally dependable and faithful to His Word. His promises can be relied upon. God doesn’t shift like the wind, alter with circumstance or sway from continually pouring out His love, mercy and grace for us.
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” ― Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Whatever fears or uncertainties might be shaking your world right now, my friend, remember the unshakeable power of God to rescue and save us. He is the still, calm centre of every storm we encounter, and our souls’ peace, always. In the valley of the shadows, God is with us and fighting for us as the core strength of our hurting hearts.
Poetry Joy 
Dear Joy,
Thank you for these stirring and heart-moving words! I had never really paused to think about how the world must have looked to people who observed all those events. My thoughts have always been so focused on His followers, and even the priests. But HE stirred the hearts of ordinary people back then, just like now. He is so faithful and true to His promises. May I cling to Him now in that knowledge. His strength will never fail us. Blessings, love and hugs to you dear friend, even as the world remains shaking around us. He is for us, and allows us to share that same love with each other!
Dear Bettie, yes it is a perspective we might not think about so much. It was fun to imagine myself in the shoes of an observer from a distance, which is not too dissimilar to the position we find ourselves in. Although we might lack the fresh impact of the resurrection just after it happened, God somehow gives us the ability to sense the awe whenever we contemplate it. I’m joining you in clinging to Christ and being dependent on His grace and strength. May we seek to understand the depths of His great sacrificial death more and more, yet not lose that initial sense of wonder and awe. Because death could not hold HIM, it ceases to hold us captive too as we trust in Him for our deliverance. Such soul freedom is Good News indeed! Love and hugs to you, dear friend! xo 💜
“God doesn’t shift like the wind, alter with circumstance or sway from continually pouring out His love, mercy and grace for us.” It’s such a comfort that He and His faithful character and His Word never change, isn’t it, Joy? Thank you for this moving, encouraging message, poem, and song. Yes, He is the strength of our hearts! And thank you for the sweet gratefulness ecard. I appreciate you, too! No, I haven’t taken a break yet. Love and blessings to you!
Oh yes, it is a comfort, Trudy, and one we need now more than ever! God’s consistency, stability and strength are like soul rocks holding us secure in these uncertain times. He infuses His calm and peace into our hearts by faith. I’m so pleased you were encouraged here, my friend, and glad you liked the e-card as well. Even when we feel helpless, weak or weary to do much, we can help, pray, and encourage one another in small ways. Your card touched me, too. Praise God for your ability to keep writing and posting! I hope to catch up with your latest one soon. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xo 😊💜
Good morning, Joy, I have often thought, too, about actually living on Resurrection Sunday. Your poem speaks to my longing heart. It is almost painful to hope to be with Him sooner than later, to know you would leave loved ones here. But oh, that eternity will continue to draw us to what’s most important in this life. Thank you for pouring out here, that we may grow our hope, Joy. Love in Christ, Julie
Good afternoon, Julie! Oh what an amazing experience that would be, one our hearts long for at times. I also share your mixed feelings about wanting to be with the Lord, knowing it involves leaving our loved ones behind. Although eternity expands into this life and beyond because we get to have a taste of the Kingdom to come, while living in the not-yet of its fullness here on earth. May we seek to glorify and honour God in the here and now as we live with deep longings to experience the fullness of His presence with us. Blessings and love to you, dear sister and friend! xo 💜
Yes, Lord, may we glorify you in word and deed and in our love we share with others. Thank you Joy for sending blessings my way, sending some back yours wrapped in a warm hug 🙂
Amen, may it be so, Lord! Your blessings are gratefully received, Julie, and I return a warm hug back to you! Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xo 😊❤