This morning (Wednesday) my bible chronological reading took me to Psalm 137. It ties in with the readings from Ezra’s book, a revered scribe who recorded Jewish religious history. Interesting for me personally, is how the theme of this psalm further defines what I wrote about last week, living an abundant life complete with “ups and downs”. In the first verse we read “By the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem.” 

Biblehub.com gives a brief explanation for the historical context of this psalm: Depicts the heartbreak and longing of those taken captive by the Babylonians. This psalm begins with the well-known line, “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion”.  It reflects a specific historical moment when many inhabitants of Judah were exiled following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, traditionally dated to 586 BC. 

This psalm’s lament underscores two central realities: the forced relocation of the people from their land into Babylon and the profound sense of loss they experienced. Understanding that the psalm relates to the Babylonian exile provides the background for the historical and archaeological data supporting its setting and events.

As I read through the psalm I could not help but think again about living an abundant life that is one under forced captivity. The Israelites taken by the Babylonians described that they had put away their harps, hanging them on tree branches. Life had become unbearable to the point of giving up music and songs. Whether from mockery or need for pleasure, their captors “demanded” a song from the prisoners, “insisting” on a joyful hymn. Not exactly what I’d call a sweet serene moment.

In the New Testament, it’s recorded in Acts 16 of Paul and Silas being imprisoned for casting a demon out of a young girl. Shackled in chains they sang and prayed. In fact, their “worship” was so loud the other prisoners could hear, an earthquake occurred which opened the cell doors. Their jailkeeper–eye witness to the events–became a believer in Jesus! That’s a powerful conversion experience and proof that God’s plans cannot be contained or stopped.

Isn’t that the kind of a God filled life each one of us desires? That no matter what comes our way we can live under powerful assurance that “God has us!”

This is why I love the Psalms. This book is where I find not only assurance, but deep abiding examples of how to continue trusting God for outcomes in circumstances beyond my control. God’s people were no strangers to adversity, imprisonment, loss of hope. Paul’s life spanned many attempts to silence the message of the gospel. Often, he escaped death. Several times he was put in jail. Yet, he persevered. 

Questions we can ask ourselves when life is painful. Is God still enough? Do I trust that His ways and thoughts are better than our own? If I’m captive in negative thinking, do I have a desire to still worship the One Who can help me be “set free”? Can I be an example of resiliency so others see the power of Christ in me?

A jailkeeper, for many years, was very far from God. He probably worshiped idols. Because of Paul and Silas’ faithful witness of God’s love, their ability to worship, this man was redeemed and included in God’s kingdom. I think Paul and Silas would tell us–if they could–their suffering was worth the redemption of that man’s soul. That heavenly price far outweighs any earthly burden’s weight.

Yes, even when life is hard, God is still good. He remains worthy of song and praise.

Empty. 

Commonly defined as having nothing inside or on the surface, this is a concept everyone comprehends, even youngsters.

Finish a box of favorite candy. Empty Container.

Drink your favorite beverage. Empty container.

Enjoy a gourmet meal. Empty plate.

Drive your vehicle until it stalls to a complete stop. Empty tank.

These forms of emptiness evoke feelings of frustration, disappointment, anger, mostly negative emotions and very few positive thoughts (except for that gourmet meal perhaps!)

But what if there was something that became empty which brought forth every emotion equated to extreme happiness…with the right amount of fear mixed in to indicate awe and wonder? We don’t need to look very far to find that “something”. The answer lies in the resurrection of Christ some 2,000 years ago.

Each of the four gospels give an account of Jesus being crucified on a Roman cross and buried in a tomb which literally meant His body was laid inside a small opening within a rocky wall and sealed with a large stone to keep out animals and birds who would otherwise desire to dine on His flesh. Jesus’ body was prepared for burial using common Jewish practices and after the rock was rolled into place, hands that had touched him during preparation, tears falling down cheeks, feet that had traveled with Him during three years of ministry, walked away. Their hearts were broken, they were indeed very “empty”. Their beloved Rabbi was dead. How would life continue with Him gone? By now, the events of the last few days are still vibrant in their minds. Words from His mountainside and small village teachings echoed in their thoughts as they made their way home, their emptiness overshadowing previous months and days of joy, laughter, hope, long days and nights spent at His feet to hear new teachings, to absorb assurance that God had not forgotten them.

Not too long from the time of burial, in the dark, Mary Magdalene makes her way to the tomb. What has drawn her to this spot? Has she come in the dark to avoid potential harm or suspicion as to her reasons for a visit under the cloak of unlightened skies? Did the Roman guard who was appointed to stand watch outside the tomb see her? As I ponder the moment Jesus became resurrected, the power inside the sealed tomb that must have been an explosion bringing Him to life along with the miraculous moving aside of the rock that had sealed His resting place, was all it took to bring the guard to his knees or perhaps even knocked out temporarily. Whatever that supernatural moment looked like, the four gospels hold eye witness accounts and evidence for an “empty” tomb which gave us a risen Saviour. “THIS” is what we celebrate this weekend. “THIS” is an empty that gives us pause to honor, celebrate, shout for joy, and prove to a dark world that God is alive. And, like Mary Magdalene who ran to find Peter…to tell him what she had discovered…we, too, should continue taking the news and message of the empty tomb to our family, friends, communities, and the world.

I love what Paul wrote in the book of Romans whe n he said “The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you…” Who is this spirit? It’s the spirit of the living God, the author and creator of life, the One Who has victory over death, who gives us eternal life by placing surrender and faith in our hearts because of what Christ offers through salvation.

Empty. Maybe this is how you’ve felt for a very long time. The good news is you don’t have to remain feeling drained and without hope. Come to the One who can satisfy your hunger and thirst to be filled. It’s never too late to begin embracing the emptiness of a 2,000 year old empty tomb, the very freedom from darkness of death to the light of life!

Happy “Resurrection Sunday”. Jesus Christ IS alive! Let us rejoice and be glad!