Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Empty Tomb
He is not here; He has risen!” Luke 24: 6

The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is a historic fact as witnessed by many people.  The fact that the women who witnessed Christ’s death and burial found the empty tomb, that was marked, guarded, and sealed with a heavy stone is the most conclusive evidence that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead.  In addition, Christ has appeared to the disciples many times after resurrection not as a ghost but as a person alive, talking, and eating with them.  We must not have any doubt of His resurrection. Paul writes “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins...." (1 Corinthians 15:17) The resurrection of Christ gave His disciples the courage to spread the Gospel while they used to be afraid.  They have the assurance that the risen Christ is God and the gospel gives everyone who believes hope for salvation.  The disciples were able to preach even when facing death without the fear of death because death lost its sting.
Promise of God
Even though Jesus has predicted and told his disciples about His suffering, death, and resurrection on the 3rd day, it was hard for them to first believe that Christ actually rose from the dead as He promised, until they also went back and saw the empty tomb and the burial linens.  When we study the Bible in depth and through our personal relationship with Him, we will see that God’s promises are always fulfilled.
Our Worship
The women went early in the morning to anoint Christ’s body as was customary at that time and part of proper burial ritual. Rituals and customs are an integral part of our lives and is a reflection of our culture.  However, when our worship is nothing more than rituals and customs without a personal relationship with our loving Creator, our worship is meaningless.  It is not enough for us to know of Jesus but He has to be alive in our hearts so that the fruit of His Spirit can be evident in us. 
Witness of Christ
We too can be living witness of Christ when we repent from our sinful ways and submit our hearts and lives to Christ.  We will recognize the work of the Holy Spirit as we grow in faith and knowledge of Him and lead a life that is pleasing to God.  A believer must witness to others what God has done for them so that others might also believe. 
Prayer:  Lord, we submit our lives into your hands; create in us a new heart.  Help us to recognize Your works in our lives to become a witness and instrument to serve Your purpose.
Thought for the Day:  Worship the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul, because our risen Lord is worthy


Jothy S. Varughese, Christos MTC, Philadelphia

 


 

 

 

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