He is not Here

He is not Here

We sing, ‘He is alive and I am forgiven. He is no longer, where he laid – He is alive.’ While the cross is a symbol of love and forgiveness, the empty tomb is a symbol of life and freedom. To complete His mission it was necessary for Christ to go through both.

When Christ arose, the stone sealing His tomb was rolled away. Why did the angel roll it away? Christ did not need an open tomb to get out (John 20:26). The stone was not rolled away to let him out of the tomb. However, the disciples used the open entrance to confirm that he was indeed risen. This strongly suggests that the stone was rolled away for them. When they visited the tomb and did not find His body, they received the message, ‘He is not here, but is risen’. As long as you think He is in a tomb, you will not be able to see Him. The revelation of a resurrected Christ radically transformed timid disciples into gallant believers and preachers.

The stone was also rolled away so that the whole world would hear that He is risen. The best of Roman Special Forces sealed and guarded the tomb such that no disciple could have attempted to break in to steal the body. The soldiers could not have opened the tomb given their strict military discipline. Christ’s crucifiers had nightmares about the possibility of His resurrection and took every measure to prevent it because it would endorse Him. Jesus had predicted that they would kill Him but He would rise again (Mathew 27:63). Against their best effort to keep Him in the grave, He arose. 

The stone was also rolled away to let people out of their tombs. If nothing could keep Jesus in the tomb nothing can keep you dead in sin (Romans 6:23).  The same Jesus who commanded the stone to be rolled away for Lazarus and called him out (John 11:30, 43), represented all humanity in His tomb and commanded the stone to be rolled away for all humanity. He now is calling you to come out to newness and fullness of life. It is not too late or not too early, like Martha had thought in Lazarus’ case (John 11:21, 24). NOW is the time for your rescue (Psalm 103:2-5). Jesus said I AM the resurrection and the life.  He is calling you out of your tomb by name - John come forth, Nolutando come forth, Mhandu come forth. What ever your name, resurrection and life is calling you. HE IS ALIVE.