Empty Grave: A Three-Day Devotional With Ted Barrett and Zach Williams Sample

Day 3

When I was a boy, Christmas was my favorite holiday. Though we were far from wealthy, my brothers and I always had presents under the tree. Oh yeah, we celebrated the birth of Christ too, but it was more about what presents I received than why we were celebrating. Easter, on the other hand, was about chocolate bunnies and maybe a few bucks. An okay holiday, but not as good as Christmas.

That all changed when my family and I attended an Easter service at a nearby church. My uncle had been serving there and my parents finally decided to take him up on his multiple invitations to visit the church. My brothers and I wanted nothing to do with missing out on backyard football and putting on school clothes on a Sunday. Little did I know that on that day I would hear the greatest story ever told! During the service, we were divided up by our age groups and our leader happened to be my uncle. I listened as he told us how this man Jesus died on the cross. He then explained that He did it for me. Just as Peter and John didn't quite understand at the time what they witnessed at the empty grave, I didn't fully grasp the full theology of Christ's atoning death either. However, I did know that I needed Jesus and I knew I was separated from God because of my sin. I knew Jesus was the only way to get back into a right relationship with my Creator.

It was Easter Sunday, a day I will never forget. It was a day I was introduced to Jesus. I have spent many years getting to know Him better and I feel I am only scratching the surface. I can only imagine the joy when the Apostles were gathered in a locked room, fearing for their lives. Suddenly Jesus is standing among them! I picture Him, smiling, laughing, and showing them His wounds! I can imagine the tears of joy, the sheer amazement. 

Their sorrow laid down, shouting in freedom! Tears of anguish turning to laughter, the type of laughter that makes your sides hurt! They saw an empty grave! Peter's shame put down!

Heaven waking, Angels in jubilation, darkness breaking, the Devil shaking, the greatest celebration in the history of mankind!

As the Holy Spirit continues to reveal to me the beauty of scripture I get a clearer picture of our Savior! The Apostles would also grow in their knowledge when Jesus ascended and the Holy Spirit came to be with them.

How many times in my rollercoaster journey do I go back to that little church and that prayer with my uncle? How many times did Peter, John, and Mary go back to the day they met the risen Christ? I believe this strengthened the Apostles. Many of whom were brutally murdered for their profession of the risen King, never once wavering in their witness!

This Easter, let's celebrate and let's go tell the news: what started in the garden was finished in the tomb!

OH, I SEE AN EMPTY GRAVE!!!!!