(This devotion was first shared in April of 2022)

 Even though it has been over 30 years, I still remember how I felt the day after my dad died. We knew his death was coming. Cancer had taken its toll on him. And I knew it was better for him to be with Jesus than with us. But it was still a difficult adjustment, trying to wrap my head around the reality of his departure from our presence. Weeks later I found myself picking up the phone to call him, only to realize he would not answer.

I also remember how I felt when my best friend from college died a few years ago. His death was not expected. I was numb. I could not fully process that reality right away. I also know that he is with our Lord, but the shocking news of his sudden death was enormously difficult to accept.

I think about this on this day after Good Friday. How did the friends and family and disciples of Jesus feel on this day? Confused. Scared. Shocked. Disbelief. Uncertainty. After someone dies, grief controls your thought process. Jesus told them this was coming, but they did not hear or understand. And now He was gone. They did not expect to see Him again.

We know something they did not yet know. Yes, Jesus was gone. He truly died. That death paid for the sin of the world. It was finished. But everything they knew about death was about to change. It was not the end. Just wait until tomorrow!

Today, we do not live as those who have no hope. But it is good for us to contemplate the enormity of what happened yesterday. The death of Jesus was real. It was necessary. And it accomplished what we needed. Think about that as you get ready to celebrate tomorrow.