The Empty Tomb Before Sunday

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”... Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb.” John 20:1–2, 11

By and large we approach the empty tomb of Sunday morning with a rush to celebrate because of the benefits we have in a living Savior. However, prior to the sun breaking through the darkness of Sun- day morning, Mary’s grief continued and even increased because of the empty tomb. Today we live with the knowledge the tomb is empty, but the light of Sunday morning has not yet fully been real- ized. In John 16:20–21, Jesus taught us we would experience temporary sadness prior to permanent joy. Before we rush to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, is there a lesson from the empty tomb that we could consider prior to the next day’s sun rise?

Scripture teaches us our life will be a journey of sadness and gladness cradled in the certain hope of a beautiful future that sustains our joy. Our ultimate hope enables us to say along with Paul that we, “Rejoice in the Lord always. [We] will say it again: [We] Rejoice! ... The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4–5). The empty tomb is proof for us our Savior is alive, and He is near presently; never leaving us. He is also imminently near, returning at any moment. However, in this fallen world we do experience pain that bring tears, mourning, and grief. The hope we have during those times of sadness motivates us to intentionally move toward Him and the picture He has given us of our future. It is in those move- ments that our sadness can be transformed into gladness.

Before the next morning sun rises, take time to grieve and look to the Lord for His help in prayer. Maybe you have a family member or close friend who has yet to put their faith in Christ; their lost- ness brings you sadness. Perhaps the condition of the world so full of division locally, nationally, and globally is causing your heart to ache. Or maybe your heart like mine is heavy for those we personal- ly know who are suffering from sickness and disease. All of these sad situations are only the way they are because the tomb is empty, and the King has yet to return in His full glory which will bend every knee and replace our temporary suffering with His eternal joy.

Today before the sun breaks forth on Sunday, join me in lamenting these temporary circumstances. Join me in moving toward Him in prayer as we ask for His salvation, peace, and healing that comes today and more fully in the beautiful future that awaits.

Prayer: Father God, Lord Jesus, indwelling Spirit break my heart for what breaks yours. As I cry out to you in joyful sadness, directt my thoughts towards the requests that are in line with your perfect will. Holy Spirit, bring to mind the empty tomb sadness so that I can minister to those in trouble before I celebrate the empty tomb gladness. I want to experience every bit of you today. Guide me. In your Son’s name—Jesus—Amen!