Editor’s journey

The empty ‘place’

SPRINGFIELD, MO. — Three grief-stricken women arrive at Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body with spices. Because the stone blocking the entrance is rolled away, they fear the body was stolen.

An angel speaks to them. "Don’t be alarmed," he says. "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, NIV).

The women peer into "the place" to confirm the angel’s story. Despite the evidence and the angel’s explanation, their hearts are troubled and their eyes fill with tears. Disappointment, hope and bewilderment converge into one confusing emotion.

But, upon seeing a living Jesus, their sorrow turns to joy. Instantly the empty tomb is transformed from a mournful memorial to a miracle monument. And Christ’s teachings become the words of a Savior rather than a martyr.

For 2,000 years the empty "place" has declared the deity of Christ and other truths:

Jesus is God’s Son. When Jesus walked the Earth, He was more than a social commentator or hailed humanitarian; He was God. His miracles weren’t trickery and His words weren’t scripted. He lived perfectly because He was — and is — God.

Death is conquered. The power of the grave is broken. Because Jesus defeated death, we can experience eternal life. Though our mortal bodies wither and die, we can live forever in the presence of God.

Jesus is a living Savior and Friend. Jesus did not ascend into heaven to be a distant Savior. He came to Earth to establish a relationship with us that would last for eternity. He resides in our hearts, hears our prayers and guards us from the evil one.

This Resurrection Sunday, let us remember the significance of the empty "place" and these words of the apostle Paul: "Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

To receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive the gift of eternal life in heaven, please follow the ABCs of salvation.

— Hal Donaldson