Carole Crossley is the author of a daily devotional book entitled ‘Are you Listening.’ Carole has kindly agreed to share on our website: exploretoinspire.uk a number of her devotions for your encouragement (2019 Jesus Joy Publishing used by permission) and if you would like to order a copy of Carole’s book, go to ‘Are you Listening’

This devotional is about EASTER one of many Bible Stories that she has shared over the months and we hope you enjoy it.

A slow lilac mist crept stealthily over the rough sandstone. Peering into the gloom the disciples cautiously stepped over the sharp edges of the loose rocks, which marked the rugged track, leading them in reluctance to the tomb where Jesus lay.

Time may as well have stopped. The shoulders of those who were heavily burdened with the events of the past week, sagged so low, that grief was tangible in their stance and the weight of it threatened to overcome them.

The speed of the lizard on the path, would once have drawn interest; it raced out of danger as the vibrations warned it and so the reptile avoided their heavy footsteps. This time it drew no reaction, as the band of desolate men trudged on in despair.

The long lonely road – deserted at this hour – continued to beckon them. Many were the miles that they had trudged together, with Him. Never had the journeys seemed so hard, but just a few steps on this road, seemed endless, hot, dusty and full of despair.

Each tortured soul was trying in vain to make sense of the events leading up to His death. The feelings of their failure were very strong; an inadequate knowledge and a realisation of how quickly things could change, had left them with the unbearable feeling of guilt. Why hadn’t they helped Him?  How could they have deserted Him?

Each one of them, once a faithful follower, turned to examine their own heart and were left in no doubt of their fragility. What would they do now? Go back to their old lives? There was so much of ‘Jesus’ embedded in each of their hearts. The Apostle’s knew that each of them had been special to Him.

Imperceptibly, there was a flicker of something, something deep inside. How much He had taught them, what joy they had experienced when He was with them. Gone in a moment, so much promise dashed. The unbearable tide of emotion broke each of their hearts. Their souls yearned for Him. How could they carry on? They were lost.

The mist had started to clear. A glorious crystal clear sky, enhanced by the bright warm sunlight had given birth to a new day. Slowly they lifted their grief-weary eyes and then, curiously, ahead, they fleetingly glanced an image. Each one turned to the other, unspoken thoughts, imagination, was replaced suddenly, by a feeling of purity which enveloped their souls. They didn’t know what it meant or how to explain it.

There was a disturbance further on. A woman was crying, excited, running, towards them, clambering along the rough pathway, slipping in her haste. The men rushed forward, catching her as she stumbled. Her face radiated joy, tears of pure happiness flowed copiously, down her tight parched cheeks. Her hoarse voice brought the joyful news.

He’s alive! He’s alive! He’s alive!

The men congregated around her, pushing to get near; what was she saying, what did she mean? Who’s alive? ….. But they knew; hadn’t they had a warning, hadn’t there been a strange sense, tenderly growing inside? Right from them waking up early this morning, they had known that something was different, something had happened! The feeling had persisted and they didn’t know how to put it into words.

They recalled the things He had said when He was with them; events were unfolding, just, as He had promised! All along the essence of Him had been with them during the journey. Yes that fleeting image, which they had all seen, meant that His presence was close. It was all unimaginable.

Excitement, urgency, speed – but above all else they felt an overwhelming love for each other. All the condemnation of self-had now left them and feelings of holiness and transparency flooded their spirits. They just wanted to hug each other and to feel alive again! 

Jesus was back!

They knew it, they felt it, and they breathed it in. What joy! What purity! What clarity!
Suddenly, again, the future was paved with love!