The Tomb is Empty!

Message from Pastor Tom:

He has Risen! He has risen indeed. The tomb is empty!

The resurrection of the Savior is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. As we reflect on the physical pain Jesus endured on Good Friday so we could live forever with Him, let’s also contemplate the purpose of our own pain, especially at this time with the onset of Covid-19, loss of jobs, and the isolation of not being able to leave our home. Everyone reading this blog is going through something that’s painful. Now is the time we need to stand strong, not only in our personal surroundings but spiritually as well. We cannot help but face some sort of trials and tribulation, Jesus Himself warned us of this. We can either let the hardships make us bitter or better. It can serve as a stepping-stone or stumbling block. Remember it’s up to us! Jesus’ passion and suffering produced the opportunity for the salvation of the world. Our suffering ultimately makes us more like Jesus as Philippians 3:10 stated, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” This gives us future opportunities to minister to others.

Although we may not understand it now, the pain we are going through always serves a purpose! Nowhere do we see this more clearly than in the life of Christ Himself. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is nearly overcome with anguish and distress. He tells His disciples, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” He cries out to God, using a term of intimate endearment, “Abba! Daddy, save me! But not my will but yours.” He will say that two more times, swollen drops of sweat falling to the ground like blood. Jesus shows it is not a courageous spirit God desires, but a willing one.

Feeling sorrowful is expected, but denying God’s will because of our own emotional struggle is not an option, “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem” Isaiah 53:3. We can all see this as a moment of temptation for Jesus, but He does not give in. The same thing happens in our own lives where we desire God’s will, but when it comes time to pursue Him deeply and pray earnestly, we succumb to other distractions. This happens in my life more than I want to admit. Our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak.

At the beginning of the passion story line, the Gospels emphasize trust and obedience in the Father. These passages reveal the heart of Jesus and the calling of all who would follow Him, and to stand faithfully in prayer and lean into the will of God, not their own understanding. We must remember the goal is not to focus on the path or on our pain, but instead try to find our own way. We can do this by fixing our eyes on Jesus, because He is not only our guide but also our destination. He will welcome us home with open arms when we finish life's race and cross into eternity with Him.

Heidi and I wish a Happy and Blessed Easter to you and your family as we celebrate our Father’s greatest sacrifice through His Son, Jesus Christ, and pray this Easter you receive God's Love, Grace, and His never-ending peace. Please keep yourself and your family safe, remember God loves you, and He always grants you His peace.

Blessings from a pastor and his wife

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Mark 16-6