(Sorry I missed posting last week. Since I waited a week, I thought this title would be appropriate.)

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. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him. Now I have told you. Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV)

I like to watch movies whether in the movie theater or streaming one at home. I am one of those people who likes to stay engaged until the very end. Not just to the end of the movie’s action but also through the credits. Of course I like to get my money’s worth, but it’s not just that. You never know what might happen next.

I can’t remember what year it was or the exact movie when a clever director began to incorporate more of the drama or story into the credits to get people to watch them. One example I can think of is at the end of Ferris Beuller’s Day Off. There is an entire scene with Ferris’ beloved principal, a ragged Mr. Rooney, catching a ride on a school bus after failing to beat Ferris at his own game.  The whole scene is played out while the credits are rolling. Then the screen goes dark briefly before Ferris, played by a young Matthew Broderick, reappears. I remember getting up and then sitting back down just to be told by Ferris, “You’re still here? It’s over. Go home.” What a great way to get people to stay engaged. 

This still happens at the end of movies. Some directors add in movie bloopers and others give you more of the story. Either way, it keeps the moviegoer engaged wondering what’s next.

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. What a glorious celebration and the incarnation of the promise of God. 

But wait … There’s more. 

That wasn’t the end. Christ on the cross wasn’t the last time Jesus’ followers saw him. There are eight different accounts in The Bible of Jesus’ appearance to others after he arose and before He ascended into Heaven. 

But wait … There’s more.

Those physical appearances that the disciples and a few others were privy to still aren’t the end. We can see Jesus and His work today – in the smiles of others when we need a friend, in the kindness of a stranger, in the small miracles that surround us – a sunrise, a bird’s song, the new bud after the final frost. We see Him in the answered prayers and in the unanswered as well. 

For me, I tend to take Him for granted. I know He is there, but I don’t always acknowledge Him like I should. Then, when I least expect it, He appears more vividly than ever. He is reminding me – 

But wait … There’s more!

Today, stay engaged and be reminded Jesus will come again. We will see Him face to face and He will take us home. Until then, just wait … There’s more!