The Empty Tomb

Imagine... You've left your home early one Sunday morning to get a visit into the cemetery where you buried your beloved just days before. You ease your way up to the curb next to where your loved one is to spend eternity at rest.

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Suddenly you realize the big mound of dirt has been moved. There is a gaping hole where your beloved's grave should be.

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Panic stricken you pull out your cell phone. No signal. How could someone just...just steal a...a...body like that? You see a gardener walking through the trees just ahead. You hurry up to him in your hysterical state. You grab his shoulder and say, "If you would only tell me where you have taken him... I will go and get him."

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The tears are stinging your eyes as you feel the morning mist settling down all around you. The sun is shining brightly over the gardener's shoulder and you cannot make out his face.

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"Woman, who is it you seek?"

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"They've taken him from that grave over there. Can you tell me where he is?"

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"Beloved."

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The word stops you cold. His voice so strong and deep. How could you have missed that before? It's him. He's alive. You tremble as you fall to your knees.

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"How can this be? You...you died."

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"Go back my love.

Tell the others...

I'm ALIVE."

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You feel so torn. Not wanting to leave... Not wanting to delay the message. "He's Alive! He's Alive! He's Alive!"

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You run screaming from the cemetery. Scarcely aware you left your car behind.

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That is the message of Easter for all of us. He's Alive! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is alive. He is risen and because He lives... We, too, Will Rise!

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What joy that brings to me this Easter Sunday as I consider all that God has done to bring a fallen world unto Himself. He's Alive!