The power of an empty tomb

As we prepare to celebrate the single event which changed everything and by which we even count our days, I am blown away by the overwhelming love, grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To think that He saw us in our need and took action never ceases to amaze me. How often do you and I see a simple opportunity to serve another and quickly step to the other side of the road? While Jesus had literal legions of angels at his beckoned call, he willingly laid down His life as an atonement for our sins. Take just a moment to wrap your mind around that thought with me. The very being who spoke all things into being and who knit you together in your mother’s womb willingly died a miserable death on a cross. Not for his wrongdoing, but ours. Yours and mine. Romans 5:8 reminds us that “God demonstrates His love for us in this way, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus Christ gave his life willingly as he claimed victory over sin and death for all eternity. His single sacrifice paid the price, once for all, that through His death we might find real life. You see, while a good person might find in himself the strength to lay down his life for another, there is no person whose life might be considered the “sinless” sacrifice required in response to our crimes against a holy God, except for the perfect, holy, incarnate son of God. But the real power of the cross didn’t end at on a hill outside of the city. It is found in the resurrection. The fact that Jesus didn’t stay dead testifies to our hope of the eternal life promised to everyone who finds forgiveness, grace and mercy through Christ.

As we celebrate Easter this weekend, let’s not forget that our savior isn’t in a grave on the other side of the world. This isn’t a weekend to mourn, but to celebrate life. We celebrate unconditional love and forgiveness found in Christ Jesus, the perfect, spotless Lamb of God.

“He is not here, he has risen, just as he said.” Come experience the power of an empty tomb this Sunday!

Happy Easter!

John McIntyre