“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.” Matthew 27:51-53

Open Tombs

On Easter Sunday this year we had the privilege of witnessing the baptism of a young adult friend of ours. The service was at another local church and we were excited to celebrate with her as she entered the “baptuzzi” and identified with the death and resurrection of Jesus in the full immersion waters. What joy was on her face! And how much love and support she must have felt as several friends surrounded her.

The pastor’s sermon was on the resurrection message, of course. He said something that has left me pondering since. His question to us was: “Are we lying in our open tombs giving praises to God ignoring the fact that the tombs are open?”

The day Jesus died tombs broke open and people were raised to life but they didn’t come out of the tombs until after His resurrection. These people then went into the city and appeared to many people. What a sight that must have been to see someone alive who once was dead!

What about us? If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, our tombs are open. Are we going to stay there just giving praises to God for the miracle or are we going to come out of the graves and go into the city and appear to the people? Jesus didn’t save us just for us. He saved us so that we could participate in what He is doing.

My friend did not stay in the “baptuzzi” after the baptism. She came out with joy in her heart ready to make a difference in the world. We have been given light for the darkness, freedom for a prison. The choice is ours. I hope we all come out of the open grave ready to obey and cooperate with what Jesus is calling us to do.

“Heavenly Father, it must have been quite a sight to behold the weekend of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Thank You for imagination to visualize it in our minds and hearts. Thank You also for opening our graves not just to praise You but to partner with You in what You are doing here on the earth. Give us the strength to carry on when we are tempted to lie in the open tomb. Help up to live in You and never look back. In the name of Jesus, Amen.