The Whole of The Empty Tomb

"If there were no empty tomb... this would all just be for nothing." I've heard that a hundred times and read it from scripture more often than I know. Every time I read it or hear it, I think of this statement from the perspective of Christian evidences. "If God hadn't raised from the dead, then Jesus was a sham. The empty tomb validates Christ."

The empty tomb doesn't just validate Christ though. The empty tomb validates us. It validates our journey, our struggle, our fight against sin, our life-long sacrifices and never-ending challenge to be more in Christ. The empty tomb is a resounding trumpet call, and a banner for victory. The empty tomb draws us towards peace that passes understanding.

As Peter raced towards the tomb, he must have been filled with a world of emotions. Would the object of his faith still lay dead in a closed cell? Would his convictions remain lifeless and overpowered? Would his failings triumph over his faith? Would death, depression, guilt, hostility, emptiness, and sorrow reign? No. As Peter ran up to the tomb, death had departed. Loneliness had left. Sorrow had fallen short. All that was left was the possibility and optimism of a new glorious day!

Today we celebrate an empty tomb. A reminder that in the end, peace and life and love will reign once more. We race towards that day, knowing that victory will come, even though death and sorrow seem so prevalent along our journey.