Theme: The World Celebrated a Full Tomb.
In 1922, Howard Carter made possibly the greatest archaeological discovery in history. He found the ancient tomb of the pharaoh known as Tutankham, or King Tut. This was significant because, unlike other tombs that had been emptied by grave robbers, this tomb was full of ancient artifacts, as well as the body of of King Tut himself.
It took eight years to remove and document the contents of the tomb. The mummified remains and his treasure were sent all over the world. Millions upon millions of people stood in line for hours and days just to catch a glimpse of the mummified, dead king. The world celebrated because the tomb WAS NOT EMPTY.
Unlike those of the world, those of us in Christ celebrate the fact that the tomb of Jesus WAS empty, and because it was, we know He conquered death, and we WILL live with Him in eternity. Every religious leader, head of state, famous and rich, and worldly acclaimed remains in the grave. Only Jesus died, was buried, and then rose, conquering death.
The world celebrates, almost worships, a dead King Tut and so many others who remain dead and buried, while it so often shuns the only King who lives and can guide us into His life.
At Easter and every day of our lives, we who are in Christ celebrate the empty tomb. The brief occupant, whose reason for dying was to redeem us to our Father, rose to fulfill the Law and the prophets and gather us to Him. We rejoice in a LIVE King, while the world worships the dead. What a contrast.
Scripture: Luke 24:1-8 (NIV)
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words."
Prayer
Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we thank you for your perfect obedience to the Father, and for becoming man that we may become sons of God through you. Father, thank you that you always had the plan to redeem us to you, and that, in your mighty power, the plan was completed, and we are yours. Father, we know that it is all you and not because we deserve even a glance, and we are eternally grateful for your plan and power, Jesus’ perfect obedience, death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit’s power in keeping us until Christ’s triumphant return. In His name we pray, and with such gratitude. Amen