The Day After Easter

John 19:41

Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

John 20:15

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

The day after Easter, people were still discovering that The Lord has risen. Some, still  in their own darkness, had no news of His light. While unaware of it, Christ was moving towards them, and their need, with a commitment to bring life to their gardens.

Mary thought He was the gardener, and while incorrect in one sense, she was right in so many ways. He came into the weeds of this world, plucked a handful from their sorrows, and planted them. Simon the sinner became the Disciple who would inherit the keys. A tax collector became a distributor of the miracle of the 5,000.

Were they perfect, no, but a Gardener doesn’t just plant, He prunes. He cuts out the fear that made Peter deny, Thomas doubt, and the others run. He tells them on Sunday, I forgive you for what you did on Friday.

Acts 6:7

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

The day after Easter, The Gardener plants fresh hope, Love, and mercy to those who mocked Him on the cross. Eventually, in Acts, The Bible tells us many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Those who were jealous of Him, those who were willing for Him to die, those who mocked Him, still were given access to His mercy.

A Gardener doesn’t give up on a sick plant. He fertilizes, He fences, He applies things to keep the pests away. He also plants healthy plants to enrich the soul. Where has The Gardener planted you the day after Easter?

Today, in some word or deed, plant some hope in the lives of those around you. Let them see The Gardener in you. Let them feel the light that changed your life. Let your growth, and your love, your hope reach to where their need is.  The Gardener wants to show them, that they can also experience new life, the day after Easter, through you and I.