An empty tomb

The angel spoke to the women. ‘You must not be afraid,’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has been raised, just as he said. Come here and see the place where he was lying. Go quickly now and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the death, and now he is going to Galilee ahead of you; there you will see him!” Remember what I have told you.’ (verses 5-7)

Read Matthew 28:1-10

Ryan was born with massive heart defects. Only days old, he had to undergo open-heart surgery. Close relatives visiting a few days later found his bed in intensive care, empty. What followed were a few moments of very mixed emotions: either he had been moved to another room where less observation was needed or he had died. As it turned out, Ryan’s condition had improved and he was out of danger. What a wonderful relief it was!

When the two Marys were faced with an empty tomb, they must have had a dreadful thought. Jesus’ body had been stolen! But an empty tomb was not bad news. Imagine the initial relief and then the utter joy they would have experienced when they were told that Jesus had risen from the dead. That joy has not diminished through the ages. You can feel it today: the absolute happiness of knowing that your Saviour defeated death and that he lives now and forever. Thank God for an empty tomb!

I rejoice in the empty tomb, dear Lord, in your resurrection and in your everlasting life. I pray that you will be with me all the days of my life. Amen.

by Kathy Hoopman, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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