After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. Matthew 28:1

The resurrection of Christ Jesus is not just “a” Sunday, nor is it just “a” holiday; for Believers the resurrection is our life. And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). In this particular scripture following Jesus’ death, there is a life giving, life sustaining message for us.

After a week of what appeared to be a sudden turn of events that ended in disappointment, heartache, betrayal, rejection, and seemingly, absolute defeat with the crucifixion of their leader and teacher – Jesus’ followers (disciples) went into hiding. However, scripture tells us remembering that Jesus said He would rise on the third day (John 2:19), after the Sabbath had ended, these women went at dawn to go to the tomb. The women had to wait until the traditional Sabbath day had been completed, because by Jewish law, they were not allowed to do anything on the Sabbath. So, at the end of their traditional holy day, they went looking for Jesus. Interestingly, they went at dawn. David also was one that sought God in the early morning hours; “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee”(Psalm 63:1). By definition, dawn is not only the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise, it also is defined as the beginning of a favorable phenomenon or period of time. To say the least, Christ Jesus’ resurrection can definitely be described as favorable, and still today is a phenomenon.

This scripture is encouraging because often times we get stuck on the past events of our lives, and we forget what the Word promises. This is not to diminish or disregard what has happened or what is happening, but we still must bring to our remembrance that the “promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him, Amen”(2 Corinthians 1:20). The followers of Jesus had just witnessed their leader and teacher tortured and crucified. The same man that had performed miracles, walked on water and reed storms – yet, he did not even defend Himself against His accusers. It was horrible and they were devastated and confused, but the women remembered what the Word (Jesus) had said and got out of their feelings and went to look for the manifestation of His promise.

Regardless of where we find ourselves right now and regardless of how we feel; there is a new dawn every day; a breaking of the darkness; the opportunity for the beginning of a favorable phenomenon or period of time. The scripture tells us that His mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). Let us be like the women and get up expecting and looking for His Word to be revealed in our lives. If He has spoken it, He will bring it to pass (Numbers 23:19). He is faithful who has promised (Hebrews 10:23).

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23