He Is Not Here

Four little words. In ordinary contexts not very powerful. Those four words define a historic event, a revolutionary movement that spread around the world, and is alive and thriving today.

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices two days after He got crucified along with a few others. To their shock He was not in the tomb. A messenger from God communicated a simple message to them.

First, Jesus is risen.

Second, He is not here. Not in the tomb. No longer lifeless. Not bound in burial clothes. No longer a sacrificial Lamb of God. Now a risen Savior, a triumphant Warrior, a mighty Conqueror.

He lives today. In my heart, in many of yours and all around the world. He sits at the right hand of the throne of God waiting. Waiting to come get us at the Father's command. He still saves, delivers, heals, rescues, revives, loves, comforts, works and speaks.

I am so glad Mary heard those words that shook an entire world. They are still shaking the world today. HE IS RISEN. HE IS NOT HERE. That is cause for celebration as we prepare to remember Resurrection Sunday.