By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Where Has He Gone?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“And he (the angel) said to them, “Do not be alarmed.  You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.  He has risen; he is not here.”
Mark 16:6a English Standard Version

When our son Tim came to see us recently his wife Kim was not able to come for the visit.  When I took this picture of him, he put his arm out so that “I could Photoshop Kim into the picture!”  Which leaves you wondering, “Where is Kim?”

When the women came to the grave that first Easter morning and saw the stone rolled away they were alarmed.  They had come to anoint Jesus’ dead body with spices and myrrh only to find that he was gone!

“Where is Jesus?” They asked themselves.  “Where has He gone?”

The angel answered their unspoken question, “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.  He has risen; he is not here!”

And with this simple answer to their searching question, the whole world changed.  Because Jesus is risen, death is defeated and there is eternal life open for you and me.  Because Jesus is no longer in the tomb, we will not remain in the grave.  Because Jesus conquered death, we have a future and a hope and life has meaning beyond a meaningless, fearful, hopeless existence.

Where is Jesus now?  Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for you and me.  He is our Good Shepherd who goes before us into eternal life, opening the way to the Father.   We hear His voice and we follow Him, knowing that the One who was crucified for us is risen and reigns forever.  Hallelujah!

“Christ has arisen; He sets us free;
Alleluia, to Him praises be.
Jesus is living!  Let us all sing;
He reigns triumphant, heavenly King.”

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado