The paradox of Jesus Christ’s resurrection is that the empty tomb is the very thing that fills our souls. Humans have searched elsewhere and tried everything in an attempt to find satisfaction and have failed. The promises the world makes leave us thirsting for more and our desires unmet.
The Not Yet
The day between Jesus’ death and resurrection must have been terrible for the disciples. They all abandoned their friend at the first hint of trouble. Peter went even further, denying that he knew Jesus vehemently. And they all had to be wondering if the authorities would round them up next. Plus, what do you do when your entire plan is wrapped up in the teaching of a man who has just been killed?
Our world lives in a very similar “not yet” limbo. The resurrection inaugurated the Kingdom of God (where His rule is supreme), but it is not here in full. One day, Jesus will return and establish the Kingdom in full, but we live in the now but not yet. In Romans, Paul says creation groans in anticipation of that day! And further, followers of Jesus are called to live in such a way that they bring the Kingdom life wherever they go.
Dry and Thirsty
You don’t have to look very hard to find people in the world right now who are searching for something more. From the people who flocked to the Asbury Revival to my favorite podcast, the world is crying out for more. The guys at Nateland (who live in and around Nashville) keep hearing that people are just looking for a good and safe time. Tragedy and scandal have created a cynicism and bleak outlook in America. Ragefilled and reactionary living have drained us of joy and hope. Life should be better, shouldn’t it? Why is it so dark? Are we, like the disciples, huddled together in fear waiting for the inevitable?
Our souls are where both hope and despair live. The world has a way of draining our hope and exhausting our beliefs. And the most popular answers the world offers for refreshment are simply mirages. We wander the desert hoping for relief but find wells with no water. Or we taste pools with bitter or salt water, increasing our thirst.
Maybe that is how you feel right now. You feel dry and thirsty. The world promises satisfaction, but you can’t find it. The weariness in your soul makes it hard to keep hoping for anything.
Simple
Two songs come to mind when I think about what the world needs to hear. The first is a simple ballad improvised by a homeless man. Here are the lyrics and a link to the song being sung by Jars of Clay:
The second is a hymn I grew up singing in the church:
I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above
Of Jesus and his glory
Of Jesus and his love
I love to tell the story
Because I know ’tis true
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do
I love to tell the story
‘Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and his love
I love to tell the story
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest
And when, in scenes of glory
I sing the new, new song
‘Twill be the old, old story
That I have loved so long
I love to tell the story
‘Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and his love
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and his love
The Empty Tomb
Tomorrow is Easter. We gather to tell the old. old story about Jesus. Churches worldwide will proclaim that Jesus’ blood never has and will never fail. Despite all the things that Christians get wrong and the situations where the Church fails, the message of the empty tomb never gets old.
It must have looked like death and evil had won in the in-between. That all hope was lost. The disciples huddled in fear and despair. But God had bigger plans. His plans were unimaginable. And they still are, as He is still working today. If you are searching, dry, or thirsty, find a church or a friend who will tell you the old story of Jesus and His love. As Christians, we must tell that story every we go and with everything we do!
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I also produce a weekly podcast called The Unbroken Ground.
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