The Empty Tomb

Several years ago we spent time in the Holy Lands and in Egypt.  As many people will tell you who have been there, the pyramids in Egypt are  massive and a construction miracle for that age.  The size betrays their customary intent.  They were to be burial sites for the rich and famous, mostly the powerful leader of their County.  These people were buried with all sorts of material items they might need in the after life as well as other paraphernalia for the comfort of the deceased.  The body remained in that tomb unless someone decided to bury it some other place, than that place would be specified.  The body or its remains would always be buried.  This was and is true in any cemetery whether the deceased is a pauper, millionaire, famous, man, women, child, historical figure or any other definition of mankind you can think of.  The remains will decay but will always remain buried. 
Today is Easter.  Last week I wrote about Palm Sunday when Jesus rode into the city on a donkey amidst the praises of the people.  He was looked on and considered their Messiah who would reign as their King and free them from the bondage of Rome.  In just a weeks time  the religious leaders of the Holy City turned that triumphant entry into a crucifixion and hung Jesus on the cross.  Yes,  that crucifixion was to pay the penalty for our sins so  that we do not have to go through the condemnation for our sins, that was a hefty price for Him to pay but He did it in love for those who chose to accept Him as Lord and Savior.  Jesus conquered  sin for you and me. Joyfully, that was not the end of what He would do for us.  Just 2 days after his death on the cross  the tomb where He had been laid was found to be empty.  Yes, EMPTY.  The grave clothes were neatly left in the tomb but Jesus body was gone.  As he had promised His disciples he was going to rise from the grave to prove to us that he had also overcome death.  The disciples were skeptical as I might have been at that time as well.  But He did it FOR US.  As I alluded to above, no other race, religion, or people group who claim to have a messiah or god can claim to have an empty tomb. No other dignitary   can claim to have conquered death. No other human can claim to have paid the condemnation for the sins  of their followers.  Christianity is  the only faith that has a risen Lord.  The grave was empty when the women came to the tomb to further the traditional ceremony of tending to the body.  Yes dear people, we serve a risen Lord, one who lives in us and who loves us so much that he conquered sin and death for you and me.  We sang praises today in our worship services for the freedom we have because  he was willing to pay.  His Grace always exceeds our expectations.  We rejoice in His love and return our love in gratitude to Him.
Again, my book, "I've Always Been Rich" which has a subtitle of "Experiencing The Richness of God's Grace", continues to be offered in bookstores. 
Marilyn Rensink    Email   mjrevmom6@aol.com