Have you ever seen a spectacular sunrise, dyeing the sky in salmon and gold as it welcomes the new day? There’s a beauty that exists when light and darkness are fighting for dominion.

Jesus’ crucifixion marks the period in God’s story where light and darkness intermingled most. Jesus died horribly on the cross on Friday. On the Sabbath, grief paralyzed his disciples, who despaired that all the hope they’d placed in their Messiah was lost.

But they weren’t in complete darkness. Because the very next day, the eternal light was about to dawn. The hope that lay lifeless in the tomb would rise again. No matter how dark it seemed, they were in the time in-between.

Today, while we now enjoy the benefits of Christ’s resurrection, there’s still a deep hopelessness — in the world, in our hearts — that says the light will never come.

But it has come.

He has come.

And He’ll come again in glory. When you suffer or are sick, know that Jesus has already suffered for your peace and healing. When you fall again into sin, know that Jesus accomplished sin’s demise and will fully eradicate it upon His return.

Look to heaven. Recognize the promise of the sunrise. Don’t miss the purpose of your time in-between.