And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Matthew 27:59-60 ESV

For the followers of Jesus, the darkest night of their lives began as Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus down from the cross. Though Jesus Himself had told them on many occasions that He was to die, few really heard Him. Now, seeing His limp body being rolled in a linen shroud and placed in a tomb, the reality came crashing down like an avalanche burying their hopes and dreams. After the shouts, curses and screams they had heard on Friday as Jesus along with two thieves were crucified, Saturday passed in silence and rest. Wondering what they would do next, Mary Magdalene and some of the women determined that at least they could bring more spices on the first day of the week to give honor and dignity to the dead according to their customs. But when they got to the tomb, nothing was as they imagined. The stone had been rolled away, and an angel greeted them with the astonishing news. “He is not here! He has risen!” That first Easter message reminds me of the song, “When Morning Comes” often called, “Bye and Bye”

" Oft our cherished plans have failed
disappointments have prevailed
And we've wandered in the darkness
heavyhearted and alone
But we're trusting in the Lord
and according to His Word
We will understand it better by and by"
When Morning Comes by Charles A. Tindley 1905

Maybe you are in a place this morning when your own cherished plans have failed. You feel as if you are sitting alone in the dark. The good news for you is that, just as Jesus broke through the darkness on that first Easter morning, He will break through the darkness of anyone who will come seeking Him. He is not dead. He is alive and able to help us, restore our hopes and teach us how to live for Him today!