Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Matthew 28:6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
NOTHING BUT AN EMPTY TOMB
After preaching in a small village of northern India, a Christian missionary was confronted by a Muslim. "You must admit we Muslims have something you do not have. When we go to Mecca, we at least find a coffin. But when you Christians journey to Jerusalem, you find nothing but an empty tomb."
What a difference! Islam has its coffin at Mecca. The followers of Buddha pray over his relic bones. But Christians rejoice in an empty grave! We would despair were it still occupied. For what the angel announced ("He is not here; for He is risen!") St.Paul explained, "If Christ is not risen, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished" (1 Cor. 15:17-18).
The drifting sands of Egypt and Babylon have long sealed the doors to many a temple and many a tomb of the ancients. But the door to our Lord's tomb was opened by an angel--not to let Jesus out, but to reveal how empty His grave was. That open door--with its message, "Christ is alive!"--is the keystone in the triumphal arch of Christianity.
It is the very difference! It ended tears and brought joy to believing disciples. For the last twenty centuries it has opened the door to countless millions--the door to living hope, new life, and life without end! Thank God there is no coffin! He is risen! He is risen indeed!
-- The Lutheran Spokesman, April 2001
