April 2009

“Where is He?”

Ever had a joyful surprise that took your breath away? I remember some that have happened in the hospital. A doctor or nurse comes and says to the patient you can go home, the growth that we were going to remove is not there.
It's What? It's gone!
It's truly a holy surprise, so you go out walking and leaping and praising God.

It happens when I walk into the intensive care unit to visit someone who came out of life threatening surgery the day before and the bed is empty. Going to the nurses station, with a lump in my throat, fearing the worst, I ask the hard question. The news comes from across the desk that he was doing so well he didn't need to be here anymore. He's Where? He's been moved. I run down the hall (slowly of course, this is a hospital) and wait forever for the next elevator, to get to the new room to pray in thanksgiving for this answer to prayer. Joyful surprises capture all my emotions.
Now having witnessed these joyful surprises I can only begin to imagine what it was like on that Easter morning.

The women, coming to place more spices on the body of Jesus, are completely taken by surprise by an empty tomb. They knew that Jesus was dead. No life was left in his body. He died, the water and blood had come from his side. The men had placed him in the tomb and rolled the stone over the opening. But now the tomb was empty.
It was at this point that the angels surprised them, both by their brilliant appearance and their words, "He is Risen". It must have taken their breath away.
What a joyful surprise. Where is He? He is Risen!

This Easter, let the Joy of the Resurrection fill your life. He has risen. He has conquered death and we have eternal life in Christ. Let the Joy of Easter capture you life.

Spread the Word "He is Risen!"

--Pastor Craig