THE TOMB WAS EMPTY!

        Despite all the fear, caution, threats and drastic measures taken to contain the effects of the current virus, yesterday’s Easter observance was held anyway. All over the world people rejoiced in their faith that the tomb was empty because Jesus truly had risen from the dead. However differently their rejoicing may have been, however separately their worship brought them together, God’s people still rejoiced and said, “He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!” 

        Carol and I worshipped at our desktop computer terminal as we sang, prayed and listened to the Gospel through an online Lutheran worship service. Afterwards we took part in an Easter Parade of three or four dozen decorated golf carts that paraded through our streets nearby. Easter Breakfast for two was a feast!

        In the Easter message, our pastor quoted Rev. J. W. Ylvisaker, a Norwegian Lutheran pastor and former president of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, which he wrote 100 years ago in his commentary, The Gospels, “The resurrection is the Father’s ‘Amen’ to the words of the Son on the cross, ‘It is finished.’ The blood of the sacrificial Lamb was accepted by the Father. Therefore His resurrection is the judgment of acquittal for the world.”  

        The resurrection of Jesus is God’s “Not Guilty!” verdict for us all. With faith in Jesus, we are all forgiven. Nothing more is needed for us to stand before the Lord as men, women and children who’ve been freed from eternal death by what Jesus of Nazareth did for us in leaving the tomb empty. 

        Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15, “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.”

        Since the time of Jesus, the world has tried to deny, change, silence or scorn the Gospel, but it can never snuff out the light of faith Christ’s resurrection brings to the millions and millions who Trust Him for salvation. “The word of the Lord remains forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

Our churches may be empty, but so is His tomb!

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com