There is something about the sunrise.

No matter what country I am in, I like to go running at sunrise. In Bangkok, Thailand, I enjoyed passing people in the park who had gathered for their morning tai chi, and in Costa Rica, a man who was sweeping his driveway called out cheerily, “Buenos dias!” and told me to be careful about morning traffic.

There is one sunrise that changed the history of the world forever.

At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
Matthew 28:1What were those two women looking for that morning? Scripture notes that these same two women sat opposite the tomb where Joseph of Arimathea placed Jesus’ body. They knew the contents of that tomb! Three days later, they knew what those contents could be expected to smell like.

So why go back?  Why look again? What were they hoping to find?

Sometimes it is hard to let go. When we respect someone, we often get emotionally attached. Think of your kindergarten teacher, or a mentor who made a difference in your life. Think of the last funeral at which you wept, longing for the person no longer there.

But what if this person is someone that you love?  What if this someone is someone in whom you have placed hope?  How much harder is it to let go when that person is gone?

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
Matthew 28:5History was changed forever in that moment. As they ran away, “afraid yet filled with joy,” they ran into the one they loved. And, falling at his feet, they worshiped him.

This Easter, my prayer for you and for our missionaries around the world is that God’s new hope and new joy will be ours when the sun rises.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1