He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Matthew 28:6
It was Saturday morning and it was dark...early before-day dark. We had charge of our youngest grandchildren while their parents were away. Little creatures of habit, they woke up at their usual go-to-school hour and I could hear them talking. Maybe they'll play for a bit and I won't have to get up right now, I hoped. Ha. In just a minute, Nathaniel appeared at our bedroom door. There was just enough light to see his silhouette. He stood there, hugging his blanket, looking at the bed.
"Mimi!" he called in his three-year-old voice. Obviously, I didn't respond quickly enough. He looked back over his shoulder and made a pitiful announcement to his sister: "She's not here anymore!" My feet hit the floor and I grabbed him before he could get upset. The thought of him thinking he was alone was too sad.
Over two thousand years ago, some women who loved Jesus went in the early morning darkness to the borrowed tomb where His body had been taken when it was removed from the cross. They were devastated when the body they expected to prepare for burial was not there. An angel was guarding the tomb and spoke kind words to them...words that send Hope down through the ages.
"He's not here anymore!"
He was not there, just as He had told them He would not be. And though His body is gone, rest assured He is here. He is everywhere, living with all of us who believe.
I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today...
I know that He is living whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him, He's always near!
Rejoice, rejoice O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King.
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find...
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
He lives, He lives...Christ Jesus lives today...
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives...salvation to impart.
You ask me how I know He lives...He lives within my heart!