It is Easter Sunday, the climax of a week of holy commemorations. From Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to the Last Supper (Passover) with His disciples, to His trial, torture and death on the cross on Good Friday and finally to the empty tomb of His resurrection, we follow Him with awe and amazement.
In a live, early morning CLC devotional Good Friday on Facebook, one of my favorite young pastors, Sam Hamstra, reminded us that the cross has the final word. Jesus took in his last breath and shouted, “tetelestai”, which is translated, “It is finished!” As He died, the earth shook and the heavy curtain in the temple that separated us from God’s presence was torn from top to bottom making it possible for us to enter God’s presence directly in Jesus’ name. No longer is animal sacrifice or the intervention of a priest needed. Jesus became the once and for all perfect sacrifice for our sins. Like most words, tetelestai has more than one meaning or use. When a loan agreement was completed it would be stamped “tetelestai” – paid in full. Jesus paid in full the debt for our sins, stamping tetelestai on them in His blood. All we have to do is believe in and follow Him. The empty tomb is evidence of the eternal life Jesus offers to all who believe and obey Him and now that same spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. (Romans 8:11) That is more power than we will ever need.
When I was a boy it was common to attend an outdoor sunrise service on Easter Sunday and I have fond memories of those special times of worship and the Sunday brunch that followed. That tradition seems to have nearly died out. However, many churches like mine will add extra services this weekend to accommodate all of the visitors and occasional church goers who are prone to accept an invitation to attend church on Easter. Many of those people will discover for themselves the thrill of the empty tomb and begin or renew a personal relationship with our risen Lord.
I have written several times about my experience at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, so today I will simply share with you the words from three of my favorite Easter songs.
“Low in the grave He lay – Jesus my Savior! Waiting the coming day – Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes. He arose a Victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”
“God sent His son, they called Him Jesus. He came to love, heal and forgive. He lived and died to buy my pardon. An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future and life is worth the living just because He lives.”
“I serve a risen Savior; He’s in the world today. I know that He is living, whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer and just the time I need Him, He is always near. He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.”