Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shinning garments. Then as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ (Luke 24:1-7)
Beloved friend, we will soon be celebrating Passover, remembering our Lord’s sacrifice on Good Friday, and celebrating with Christians around the world of the Lord’s resurrection! The tomb is empty. Praise God that He has included us in His heavenly kingdom and has gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us there. That where He is there we will be also. It is glorious to know how secure our future is for all eternity in this uncertain and very lost world. People have no idea of the coming judgment on this world. If you and I would live with the kingdom viewpoint, perhaps we would make an impact on those who are outside the family of God. I read the story of Nicholas Herman (1611-1691) who was a Carmelite mystic born in France who became a Christian at the age of 18. He became a lay brother of an order of Carmelites in Paris where he worked in the kitchen as a “servant to the servants of God” until his death. He is best known though, for his little book of sayings, published under the name Brother Lawrence, called “The Practice of the Presence of God.” When he lay on his deathbed, Brother Lawrence said to those around him, “I am not dying. I am just doing what I have been doing for the past 40 years, and doing what I expect to be doing for all eternity.” When someone asked, “What is that?” Brother Lawrence replied, “I am worshipping the God I love! ” Friends, can we do the same? Love the Lord with all of our hearts for what He has done for us? Will we be praying earnestly that He be gracious and merciful to our unsaved families and friends as we gather together for these approaching Advent days. Just the way He was merciful and gracious to us? Let us enter in our Father’s kingdom without any regrets of not doing our Father’s will. Let His standard of service to Him be ours as well. When He rewards us, it will be fair and just.
Prayer, Father God, Easter is not only Your Resurrection Day of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. But it is our day of hope, joy, and victory. And our hearts are so desperate for encouragement, as all around us lie the broken lives, failed relationships, and fading dreams of so many people whom we know and love. Through Your Son, You invited us into Your family as You tore the curtain from top to bottom of what separated us from Your holy presence. We celebrate You, and the hope of eternal life You offered to us by leaving our life of sin, and accepting Your Lordship in our lives. Lord, for those still searching, help them find hope in You today. For those who are discouraged, lift the heavy burdens. For those still in bondage from sinful habits or lifestyles, help find them find deliverance and eternal security in Your loving arms. Lord, we welcome You to be in our midst from the solemn Good Friday’s remembrance of Your death on the cross, to the fully set free life of the born again Christian who relies upon Your Spirit to fulfill Your will for us. In Jesus name, Amen
