We are in the final week of Lent, with Sunday’s celebration of the resurrected Christ. Most commonly, we call this holy day Easter. For Christians around the world it has become very sacred in the traditions of the “church”. Altars will be draped in white and purple linens surrounded by white lilies. Triumphal music will fill sanctuaries and auditoriums… as well as crudely made churches in impoverished communities. No matter the magnificent or humble decor, the message will be the same–Christ crucified has conquered death and rose from its grip–proclaiming victory over a grave and a strong message to satan that he did not win.

What can you and I glean from the resurrection story? 

A trip to Israel is not complete unless one visits the supposed burial tomb of Jesus. Located in a beautiful garden, visitors from around the world line up for an opportunity to step inside and briefly gaze on the slab of stone where His body lay. Interestingly, as folks stand in line there’s a lot of chatter and conversation in the waiting, but as soon as several people can actually be inside the tomb, reverence silence descends in the tight space, bringing about bittersweet awareness that “this” is where a beaten, pierced, bloodied body of a beloved savior was laid to rest.

While our particular group was guided through the garden, our hostess told us a beautiful story from years ago. A number of men from Korea had come to Israel to work on a major building project. Their financial resources were limited and the men made an inquiry asking “what can we do or go that does not cost a lot of money?” They were instructed to visit the Garden of the Tomb because admission is “free”. Those who have preserved the garden and volunteer as guides have done this because the gospel message is free to all too; they don’t want any hindrance to someone hearing the “good news” of salvation. Our guide continued the story telling us that the men came. They walked through the garden, saw the place where we believe the cross was placed for Christ’s crucifixion and the tomb for burial. Elegantly laced into the account these men heard–as does anyone listening to their experience–was the “why” behind Jesus dying on a cross, for the redemption of ALL mankind and that He did so willingly even though under tremendous suffering. What happened next can only be described as a miracle. The men numbered about 30 in all, and upon hearing the gospel message they fell to their knees and said they wanted to follow Jesus, too. They were moved towards the cross’ message of salvation because this person Jesus–whom they most likely were not taught about–gave His life willingly so their sins could be forgiven and the gift of eternal life delivered in an instant to a receptive heart.

The message those men responded to years ago still echoes today in the caverns of minds and hearts that hear words of Christ’s  great sacrifice, rejection, humiliation, but above all–love and hope! That is the message God wants all of us to hear loud and clear, the well known words of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”. While that verse is beautiful and holds incredible truth, we often forget verse 17 that comes next…”For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” In verse 18 John instructs us “whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed”....and further into verse 19 an admonition…”Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil”.

Resurrection Sunday reminds us of God’s plan for mankind. Woven into history from the beginning of time, His plan of salvation came to pass according to His perfect timing when Jesus left heaven, born as a baby in humble surroundings, growing to adulthood and ministering to all who were curious about Him, teaching us how to love and foster reconciliation with our enemies. Through Jesus each one of us has an opportunity to step out of our own dark deeds and into His light, leaving past sins behind, embracing new life.

What can you glean from the resurrection story? Is this holy day merely another day to mark off your calendar? In the fray of egg hunts and baskets of candy that seem to now outweigh the actual trappings of Good Friday through Sunday, will you be like one of the 30 men who heard for the “first” time, God’s immense love for them and fall to your knees in gratitude?

I know a lot of hurting people who are “empty” inside and weighed down by life’s hurts and struggles. But God! By giving us Jesus who overcame every obstacle in front of Him, we can gaze upon an “empty” tomb and be “filled” with new life, renewed hope, and everlasting life.

Christ is risen! May you experience the hope that Resurrection Sunday gives to all who place their trust in Jesus.