Comfort from the Empty Tomb By Dr. Charles Stanley There’s no question that the disciples who followed Jesus fully trusted that He was the Savior. They truly believed that their leader and teacher was the Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman rule. But after Christ’s crucifixion, they struggled with disappointment and disbelief. The disciples had watched as His lifeless body was taken down off the cross, and now their hope appeared absolutely lost. A dead man could not possibly save them or deliver Israel—no matter how wonderful He was or how powerful His promises sounded. Three days after Jesus’ death, Mary the mother of James, Mary Magdalene, and Salome made their way to the garden tomb to pay their respects and anoint His body. Imagine for a moment how brokenhearted, fearful, and disillusioned those faithful women must have been. Perhaps their heartbreak is easy for you to understand because you’ve also experienced terrible loss. You realize what it is like to feel pain and confusion, unsure of which way to turn or what is going to happen. You need encouragement and the assurance that everything is going to be all right. But when we think about Easter, you and I should recall that the lives of those women were changed the moment they looked into the tomb. Scripture tells us: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead’” (Matt. 28:5–7). The tomb was empty! What an awesome truth for us to cling to no matter what our situation or circumstance. When all seemed lost, Jesus Christ defeated death and rose victoriously from the grave. Likewise, He can lead you and I to triumph in every trial, regardless of how desperate things may appear initially. This assurance should fill your heart with hope and joy—it certainly does mine. In fact, during a performance of First Baptist Church of Atlanta’s passion play several years ago, I got completely caught up by the awesomeness of the resurrection. My role was to step on stage at the end of the production and explain to the audience how to be saved through faith in Christ. So I stood behind the curtain, waited for my cue, and watched the gospel story unfold. Well, when the scene at the empty tomb took place and the angel declared that Jesus had risen from the dead, I became so excited that I lunged onto the stage with the play still in progress! There I was in my suit and tie while everyone else was dressed in costumes from biblical times. I couldn’t help myself. My heart was so overjoyed that I just couldn’t wait to look inside that empty tomb. What is it that makes Christ’s victory over the grave so encouraging? First, it gives us hope because Jesus is alive, seated at the Father’s right hand, and looking out for you and me. Hebrews 7:25 says, “He always lives to make intercession for [us].” We don’t serve a prophet who is dead and unable to help us in our time of need. The risen Savior is active on our behalf—leading, providing for, and defending us at every turn! Second, the empty tomb fills us with confidence because it is a guarantee of our eternal life. We have undeniable evidence that God keeps His promise of salvation to us. Romans 6:4–5 explains, “Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection.” Since Jesus lives, it is certain that we will as well—and so will all our loved ones who believe in Him. Third, because our Savior kept His pledge to reconcile us to the Father, we know He can and will keep every other promise He has made to us. Romans 8:31–32 reminds us, “If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” There is nothing we could ever need or encounter that requires more power to overcome than what Jesus experienced on the cross and in the grave (Eph. 1:18–21). No matter what you face, the Lord is able to help you through it. Does your hope appear lost today? Have you experienced some trial or discouragement that has left you with heartache or pain? Are you struggling with confusion or uncertainty—not knowing which way to turn or what will to happen to you or your loved ones? If so, then look to the empty tomb, be encouraged, and find the assurance that everything is going to be all right. Your Savior is alive and interceding on your behalf—so there is absolutely nothing in this world that should ever take away your joy and confidence in His perfect provision. intouch.org/you/article-archive/content?topic=comfort_from_the_empty_tomb_article#.Ux07gT9dWSo
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 04:13:06 +0000