But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. Mark 16:6 NRSV
You've heard the question, "Is the glass half full or half empty?" It's an analogy used to determine how a person views a situation with optimism or pessimism. But what about an empty glass? Even the most optimistic among us typically don’t like this situation.
On that Sunday morning long ago, the empty tomb felt like an insult upon injury. On Friday, they had watched the crucifixion of their innocent friend and teacher, and today someone had stolen his body; not only that, they'd left the grave clothes!
But that's not what happened at all. The grave was empty not because Jesus had been taken but because he had risen! Having defeated death, he walked out of the tomb of his own volition.
This Easter morning, we thank God for the empty grave; it symbolizes God's great love for us. Because of its emptiness, the spiritual void that existed in us can be filled. We no longer need to walk around burdened by sin, but as a forgiven new creation, we can enjoy freedom from the grave that held us. Because Christ conquered death, we, too, have the same hope.
Thank you, God, for taking human form, teaching us your ways, and offering yourself on the cross as the holiest of sacrifices. It was you who died and descended into hell. No power in heaven or earth could bind you. You rolled away the stone and left an empty grave. You did all this out of your great love for us, your flawed and imperfect children. So we come today with full and joyful souls, offering our woefully inadequate thanks and praise. Amen.
The tomb is empty! Christ is Risen!
Happy Easter!
Pastor Tim
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