We have all probably heard the joke, “I found Jesus!”, to which someone replies, “Oh, I didn’t know He was lost”. But maybe there’s more to this little joke than meets the eye. Sometimes people are looking in all the wrong places for the King.
I always found it a bit strange that many churches would have an icon or statue of a man pinned to a cross prominently stuck on the outside of their building, when in reality a big hole may have been more appropriate, representing an empty tomb.
Without the resurrection, the cross is pointless and powerless. Together they are unconquerable, even by death itself!
Some people seek Jesus in a dusty stable among the mewing cows – but He is not there, only on a Christmas card.
Other pilgrims look for the Carpenter of Galilee on the shores of the lake or the streets of Jerusalem – but He is strangely absent. The streets teem with religious humanity, but Jesus is nowhere to be found.
Then we venture deeper and look to the cross. Where is He that died for my sins? I take a look, but the cross is empty. Well, not really, I am there – He was my substitute, and all that hangs there today are the filthy rags of my sin, not the glory of my Saviour.
I walk on to the tomb. Surely I will glimpse Him there. Only to discover the angel that spoke to Mary still guards that spot. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” he questions, and sends me on my way.
I run to the very spot where he ascended, only He’s not there either. Another angel this time urging, “What are you standing looking up into the sky for? He will come again in the very same way, but until that moment, get to work, and do what He says!”
“Oh, God!” I cry, “Come visit me, come down and touch me, I cannot find Jesus.”
And in an instant He replies.
“No, no, my son, I’m not coming down. I already did that – you come up. The way is open, a new a living way into my presence, and no thing on earth or in heaven can bar your way.”
And so I do. Simply, by faith.
And there, at the right hand of Majesty on high, sits my Lord and my God, my friend and the Saviour of all – Jesus Christ.
“There You are!” I exclaim in delight and awe.
“Of course I am, where did you expect to find Me?”
—–
Happy Easter to you! And remember, the invite to come up is open to you as well.
Be blessed and be a blessing.
Leave a comment or an Easter greeting an WIN a copy of The Passion of the Christ Photobook
I am giving away a free copy of the beautiful hardback photo book of the Passion of the Christ film to one random commenter on this special Easter post.
All you need to do is leave your comment, your ideas, your Easter blessing – whatever is in your heart, and you will be in with a chance to win this beautiful prize!
A winner will be chosen at random in just over a week’s time from the date of this article (from 6th April 2012 to the 15th April 2012), so get your comment in right now to be in with a chance to win!
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The Passion is a visual portrayal of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus. Gripping photos taken on the set of Mel Gibson’s film, The Passion of Christ, together with the biblical narratives in the New Living Translation, present the story in vivid detail. A sweeping presentation of the Passion story in powerful images that will move your heart to praise Him even more!
This exclusive and official companion volume to Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of Christ invites readers to ponder some of the most powerful still photographs from the movie. Gibson provides a foreword in which he briefly describes the inspiration for making the film and explains his decision to draw on Scripture and “accepted visions” of the Passion as the sole texts for the screenplay. In the book, relevant Scripture passages (from the New Living Translation, alongside Latin and Aramaic) are juxtaposed against stunning full-color photographs of the film’s depiction of Jesus’ final 12 hours. We see Jesus kneeling in Gethsemane, bloodied by soldiers, brought before Pontius Pilate, mocked by Herod and nailed to the cross. Some images are simply unforgettable—Judas hanging himself from a tree; Mary recalling a poignant moment from Jesus’ childhood; a spike being driven through Jesus’ palm. Several pages of photos at the end of the book chronicle some behind-the-scenes moments in the making of the film.
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Scroll down to leave your comment below to be in with a chance to win this wonderful book!
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What does Easter bring to me? Easter week and Lent I think must be just about my favourite time of the year, its a time to reflect, to spend time in talking to God, looking for a million answers !! but Good Friday I find is a great time of sadness, a time when the death of Christ really hits home, to be honest even going to Church on Good Friday is a real sad time for me ?? to think Jesus gave up his life for me, for us, and still many people still don’t seem to have learnt anything ??
Its good to know that in this unforgiving world there are still strong believers – excellent website,, many thanks for all your inspiration
Hi David, first off the mark with your comment. Thank you. Praise God that the grief of Friday turned to the joyful Sunday shouts!!!!
I wanna produce some thing like these too
This year I’ve really focused on what happened in the days leading up to and the death, burial and ressurection of Jesus Christ. As I’ve gotten to know Father God in a more intimate way, this season is more real and precious to me. I give thanks to Father God for sending His Son, and for the willingness and obedience of Jesus the Christ in completing His assignment of redeeming mankind back to the Father. Hallelujah what a Saviour. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord, full of majesty and glory!!! Amen.
What a Saviour indeed!
I am enjoying your email updates and articles. God bless you in the Name above any name that can be named…in the Name of the LORD JESUS…shalom
Glad you are blessed by what we are doing here Gina. Shalom is such a broad and all encompassing word of blessing – I receive it! Thnaks.
Hi David. Happy Easter!!! My husband, myself and my little girl have taken part in a Passion play today and it was amazing. Quite a few hands went up when the pastor asked if anyone prayed the prayer of salvation at the end!!!! Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds great Kelly – people saved and on their way to Heaven. Plunder hell and populate Heaven!
Nice to Know that Jesus went through all that Passion for me. Beyond that he gave me the Holy Spirit that return me to the place of dominion on earth. Oh! how I love Him. Happy easter Bro Martin
We got the whole package, praise God. Jesus never does half measures!
Our God has provided everything we need through His Son Jesus Christ. Wow He is Awesome! What we do with our life is our gift back to Jesus
Amen and amen
Great article! Would be awesome to see an empty tomb out front of a church. Unfortunately, someone would probably go and use the empty tomb space for their own personal use, perhaps to live in!
I’m constantly amazed at how many kinds of jewelry cross’s for sale on the shopping network on cable! They make crosses in every size, shape, color, gem stone, and various metals or plastics.
Happy Easter!
Ha ha. And I think Jesus would be delighted to see His Church housing so many homeless! Blessings to you, happy resurrection Sunday.
I thank God for His grace
On you and the ministry for the wonderful inspirational teachings you always post for the spiritual benefit of all. Thanks. Happy Easter at the same time and God bless. Amen
We are called to encourage one another. God bless you!
Every Easter has been different for me, but this Easter has been truely amazing and one I will never forget. This Easter God’s sacrifice hit home like never before. I now know the passion with which God gave Jesus and the love that held our Lord on the cross. I now know the forgiveness in full and know the cleansing power of the cross of Christ. My prayer is that I have the opportunity and the words to share this with as many people as possible.
God grant you divine appointments to share the grace you have experienced!
praise the lord man of god….we are so blessed though my house was under flood waters in Fiji we knew one thing that Jesus is with us in this trying times, he will never leave us nor forsake us………he gave us the strength, we had a blessed Easter, he took all the pain, trouble, infirmities and sorrow n all away from us….Amen, glory to one and only Master the coming King Lord Jesus………
Wow. What can I say other than commend your faith and courage. Your devotion is an inspiration.
Thank you. it is encouraging to know the way is open and Jesus is lves.
The way is open indeed!
CONGRATULATIONS TO KELLY, THE WINNER OF OUR PASSION BOOK, AND A BIG THANKS TO ALL WHO LEFT THEIR ENCOURAGING COMMENTS!
I found Jesus Christ into my life.
He wasn’t lost but i am the one who was lost at those days, but through His shedding blood i have been untied from any bondage i was in. Blessed be unto our Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father for having such a great love for us.
I adore Him always because He is my Intercessor and everything i own on this world.Amen