What's In DeTombe?

When I was a kid, I used to think of 'Good Friday,’ “That’s a goofy name for a holiday. What’s ‘good’ about Good Friday? Jesus died for gosh sakes, right?“

Since then, I’ve been blessed to visit the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem and inside that small, caramel-colored rock tomb, there’s an inconspicuous wooden sign that reads, “He is not here.”

I’ve come to see, think, believe, and experience through my years that the Empty Tomb is the single greatest, most profound, and utterly immeasurable moment in all of human history.

I’ve found most people do not have a problem with God. Most do affirm a Creator, a Divine Force, and a Grand Architect. But Jesus? Ahhh, there’s the rub. The Scriptures point us to this truth. It was prophesied, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone (Ps 118: 22).” And spoken, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense. And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame (Rom 9:33).” His identity was quite the question of mystery, contention, and consequential conclusion. On that Maundy Thursday and after that Last Supper, the Sanhedrin tried to beat the mystery out of Him, yet he wouldn’t bend to their pressure or defend himself. Pilate and Herod tried to squeeze it out of Him, too, on that fateful night. Even Jesus knew His identity was the ultimate question when He asked His 12 disciples at one point, “Who do you say that I am?”

Growing up as a “church all-star kid” and trying to work and earn my way to Heaven by being “good enough,” I had no problem acknowledging Jesus as God. My problem was my flesh and a willingness (and surrender) to not just have Him as Savior but as LORD. Just last week, I celebrated my GREATEST DAY IN LIFE (April 6, 1983) when I decided, as an empty, vain, purposeless 19-year-old, to give Him the “steering wheel” of my life. I’ve never doubted, regretted, or gone back on my choice these past 39 years.

My friend, I know you may believe in God but where are you with Jesus? Are you, too, like so many, stumbling over the stumbling stone? With this in mind, I marvel at the uniqueness of Jesus. Surely, most would agree: He was the greatest teacher who ever lived, He lived with more power and supernatural presence than any other in history, He elevated women and lived beyond racism and classism as He lived a life of love more than any man throughout the ages, and no person ever made the claims He made. Finally, however, and ultimately, we have the empty tomb.

Friends, I implore you to give your heart to Jesus on this special weekend if you have not done so. For others, I encourage you to renew your vows and commitment to not just believe but to follow Him today and forever as your LORD. I bless you this most precious and miraculous Resurrection Season from my heart full of love for you. Together let’s stand not stumble on the Rock.

What's in DeTombe? The tomb is empty but DeTombe is full of life! Because He lives, so do I! Hallelujah!

-Chris

Susan's note: "...But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect - life in its fullness until you overflow! I am the Good Shepherd who lays down my life as a sacrifice... (John 10:10-11 TPT)"