April 8 - Resurrection

Matthew 28:1-10

“Do not be afraid…He has risen; He is not here.”

We waited in line for our turn to visit the Empty Tomb. There were some groups singing softly as we waited. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound. Words rang so true to my heart. I once was lost and now am found. Found in this Garden in Jerusalem (pictured at left). Maybe this was THE tomb…maybe it wasn’t. It is hard to locate a grave from almost two thousand years ago, so the tourists in Israel flock to the presumed site of Jesus burial and resurrection. Our time had come we were next in line to enter the empty tomb. We stepped inside. A sacred hush filled the air, enveloping this holy place. My heart filled with joy recalling the miraculous story of Jesus. He loved me so much that He died for me, took my sins to the grave and now He is risen---overcoming death. 

He was not there---He was risen--just like they said.
That was the message that Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome (Mark 16:1) heard when they brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body.  They were to go and tell His disciples, but they were so afraid that they said nothing to anyone (Mark 16:8). Matthew 28:10 tells us that Jesus Himself appeared to them and said, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they shall see Me.”

 He is risen!  Hallelujah! He is risen indeed! The favorite Easter or Resurrection Sunday greeting! What else is there to say? He had power over death. We can only rejoice and be glad.

Lord, we praise You and rejoice that indeed You have risen from the grave. Hallelujah!

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.