The Empty Tomb Isn't Empty

Have you ever felt hopeless? In a situation where you have no control to resolve a difficult or scary situation? Perhaps a loved one who is ill or a vehicle sliding on the ice rapidly toward you? A relationship that feels like it is crumbling and you are powerless to fix it? A weariness in your mind, body or spirit that feels like a darkness coming over you and you can’t stop it?

The followers of Jesus found themselves feeling the deepest sense of hopelessness as they stood by and watched their Friend being beaten and crucified. They saw the One that had come to bring life to them have His own life taken in the most gruesome manner. They saw their hope shattered into a million pieces right before their eyes and were powerless to stop it.They were just beginning to believe that He was the Son of God. Surely He could have stopped it if that were true.

I believe every ounce of hope was torn from the deepest part of their hearts and they were left in a miserable state of hopelessness. Even though he told them what was going to happen and tried to prepare them, His words were obscured from their mind as they watched the brutal crucifixion occur. Hope was so lost that none of them expected Him to conquer death and arise to speak to them and actually spend time with them. Jesus’ resurrection was as much a surprise to them as it was to those who didn’t believe that He was the Son of God.

But Jesus did come back and before He ascended to heaven. He promised that He would be with them, that He would never leave them, that His Spirit would live within their hearts and they would have power. Power that overcomes the darkness of hopelessness and brings light into our blackest despair.

Is there a darkness that has stolen your hope? Are you finding difficulty believing that it can be better? That your marriage can recover? That your financial crisis will improve? That your health will be restored? That your children will work through this difficult stage? May I remind you that there is hope because Jesus is ALIVE! His Spirit in those who believe and choose to follow Him has power and provides wisdom and transforms us as we learn to hold on to what we cannot see.

The tomb held no body centuries ago, but in that emptiness, hope overflowed. The empty tomb is still full of hope for those who need Him today. There was no body, but that cavern of emptiness was filled with a hope that gives life. So, even though you may feel defeated, there is hope because in conquering the grave, Satan was defeated. Satan is the thief of all hope, but he can only take your hope and your joy if you give it to him. Hold on to hope and hold on to Jesus. He didn’t go to the cross for nothing. He went to the cross for you. And He is very much alive for you. The empty tomb is full of hope.