teEn-MAIL -- Not there!

Luke recorded. . .
“(1) But ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. (2) And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, (3) but when they went in THEY DID NOT FIND THE BODY OF THE LORD JESUS. (4) While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. (5) And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, ‘WHY DO YOU SEEK THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD? (6) HE IS NOT HERE, BUT HAS RISEN. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, (7) that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and ON THE THIRD DAY RISE.’” ( Luke 24:1-7 ESV)

Here Luke provided his historical account of the women going to the tomb to complete the embalming they had prepared to do. ( Luke 23:56) Mark tells us that on the way they discussed the matter of needing someone to roll the stone away. ( Mark 16:3) However, God had already taken care of that. Was it for Jesus’ escape from the tomb? Jesus -- Who could pass through a closed and locked door (note John 20:19 & 26) -- did not need the tomb opened in order to rise. The tomb needed to be opened so it could be seen He was no longer there. Death had no hold on our Lord. ( Acts 2:24)

It is absurd to seek the living among the dead. It is not among the dead that Jesus will be found. Unlike all the great prophets and teachers of the world whose tombs can be visited, Jesus -- the Messiah, Savior, Son of God, Lord of lords, King of kings -- is “alive forevermore” holding “the keys of Death and Hades.” ( Revelation 1:18) That is why even before our Lord’s arrest and crucifixion He could encourage the disciples with the words, “BECAUSE I LIVE, YOU ALSO WILL LIVE.” ( John 14:19 ESV)

Paul affirmed. . .
“(20) But IN FACT CHRIST HAS BEEN RAISED from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (21) For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, so also IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE. (23) But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 ESV)

Because OUR LORD LIVES we have the ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE as well. The power over death that His resurrection reveals assures us of the victory over death He provides for us. ( 1 Corinthians 15:54-57) Just like our Lord, the grave will not keep its hold on us because of His power of life! Praise God for a LIVING LORD who holds the keys and has opened up the way for a glorious eternity with Him. May we continue to seek Him and His Will with that TRUE LIFE in mind.

Have a great day KNOWING HIS LIFE MEANS OURS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Life