Inside the Empty Tomb

I took this photograph this morning 

after walking out of the tomb.

“He is not here. He is risen.”  I know this.  And yet, inside the edicule, I sank across the stone and sobbed.  Sobbed. He took all my yuck into that grave.  Now, will I leave it buried there and walk out of the tomb with new life?  Or will I resurrect the yuck and sorrow instead?

Littered with Treasure

Caesarea. 

It is littered with ancient pottery and Herod’s marble columns. 

Things that people literally slaved over are now washed up, piled in a heap, used as grout filler or simply ignored. 

It is a stark reminder: the work of our hands will not last, but the work of our hearts - in the hearts of others - will last an eternity. 

Queen Esther: The Lone Ranger-ess?

We often think of Queen Esther as a female Lone Ranger. 

from Bible Illustrations by Sweet Media

Born for “such a time as this.” A time to save her people from wicked Haman’s attempt to wipe out God’s people. 

“And who knows but that you have come into your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV

We envision Esther pulling herself up by her bejeweled bootstraps, throwing back her shoulders, and striding into the King’s Presence on a solo mission. The weight of the Jewish world on her shoulders. 

But the reality is, Esther brought an army with her into that royal throne room. 

Because the very first thing Queen Esther did, when given the charge to intercede on behalf of God’s people, was to ask her friends and attendants within the palace to fast and pray with her. And she directed the entire community of faith to do the same. 

Esther brought a multitude into the king’s presence with her. Some she knew well and others she didn’t know at all. But each person joined to her and to each other in an army of prayer, looking to the One who could save. 

Our heroine reminds us that being courageous doesn’t mean going it alone, whether it’s entering the presence of a king, an oncologist or a colicky baby.  

So when you and I find ourselves at the end of ourselves, let us be like Queen Esther. Not withdrawing into isolation, but petitioning the Lord of Hosts, and asking the people around us to come alongside.   

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NIV

Let us enter the throne room together, bearing one another’s burdens, for every single “such a time as this.”

The Door of Humility

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. 

The entrance was made smaller during the Ottoman period to stop looters from stealing artifacts from Jesus’ birthplace.

But as we stoop to enter, it also reminds us to approach the Messiah with humility.  Hence the nickname, Door of Humility.

It also  reminds us that Christmas isn’t about us condescending with jingle bells and sparkly lights to a baby born in a manger. Because the great truth of Christmas is that He condescended in humility to us. 

The full glory and power of Heaven poured Himself into a tent of helpless human flesh in the greatest act of humility imaginable. Bc He loved us too much to leave us helpless on our own. And He alone has the power to deliver us from our helplessness. 

Yes, the One who poured Himself into human flesh in a manger, ultimately broke out of human death from a grave.

 “...the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

Mary’s Well

Mary’s Well in #Nazareth. 

Local tradition says this is where Gabriel visited Mary with the news that changed her life and the world. We don’t know if it’s really the exact spot. 

But it’s the only well in town, so we do know that Mary came here hundreds of times. As a little girl with her mother. As a teenager with deepening faith. As a young woman (probably still a teenager!) wrestling with the enormity of what lay ahead of her and within her. 

Scared yet steadfast. Anxious yet anticipating. Weak yet strong. A woman after God’s own heart. 

#marydidyouknow #christmas #Mary #Gabriel