Matthew 28:5-6:

⁵ But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

My pastor always reminds us that when we read the bible we should put ourselves there. We should not simply read the accounts as we would a history lesson; but step into the shoes of people in the story. they were real after all; the bible is not a work of fiction. By stepping into the accounts we allow God to work in us and reveal His truth.

In reading the accounts of the resurrection, I at first shook my head at the lack of belief on the part of the disciples. After all, Jesus had told them himself that he was coming back. He spoke of destroying the temple and raising it up again in three days. John: 2:19:

Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Jesus predicted his death and resurrection three times in the book of Matthew. For your reference and study they are: Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22, and Matthew 20:17. So, the disciples had been told how this would all work out and yet; they did not believe, or trust, or what is it really? What is it? It is our humanity, our imperfection, our fear that causes us to doubt the word of God; that causes us not to trust His promises. After all it says in the bible that God helps those who help themselves right? That verse is  – where? I’ll give you a hint. That is not a verse but merely a sediment, something that many feel is implied by scripture. what is there is the promise of God’s love, victory over death and the grave, and Salvation for all who would believe. Psalm 23:1:

The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.

Through the good times and the rough times, through all times; God is in charge. He has us covered. Do we trust in that promise? As Jesus told the disciples he also tells us. The striking thing is the bluntness of the statements. John 11:25:

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

John 6;40:

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

These are only two of the many references in scripture wherein Jesus instructs his disciples, and us, to believe in Him. Where does this easter morning find you? Are you coming out of darkness and despair like the disciples? Or are you in the midst of it?

I would venture to guess that everyone reading this is in the midst of something. No matter what it is, God is with you and on this Easter morning offers you the opportunity for recreation through a relationship with Jesus Christ. No matter if you are of much faith or little, no matter what shape this Easter morning finds you in, know that the tomb is empty! The tomb is empty because Jesus is the risen Christ!

For those that believe, Jesus invites you to take encouragement in His promises; they are true and steadfast. Come and see the empty tomb, meet Jesus in the garden along with Mary, and tell the world.

For those who are on the fence; those who were possibly sent this post by a friend or stumbled on this while searching; the promise of Easter is for you as well. Have you reached the end of your rope? Do you find yourself hollow and still yearning for more after the things of this world have been run dry? Jesus has conquered death you can begin to live an exciting new life centered on Jesus. All that is required is that you believe. Jesus asks you the question today. John:11:26:

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Accept the invitation of the angels. “Come, see where the Lord lay. He is not here.” He is risen indeed Alleluia!

Grace & Peace,

LD