Despite centuries, armies, kings, famine and sword

There’s an old story that still circulates

This time of year more so

It tells of a different kind of lord

No matter how many times I hear it, it resonates

No matter what happens, it can’t shake this faith

Tons of years gone by sense that man was crucified

I’m here today with others still trying to figure out why he died

It didn’t seem right but not much does in this life

No grand promise fulfilled then

Just another let-down

But three days later something shocking was found – by some women!

The stone was no longer in front of that tomb

It was like life didn’t have enough room

The living wasn’t there with the dead,

That’s what the man in dazzling clothes said

Some didn’t believe the women’s account

Some did – and ran to that tomb for themselves to see it

Belief – hope – they saw that dead man walking again

Back from Hades anew

Eating, restoring, hanging out – what a friend!

What was he looking to do?

He told them to go into the world and make disciples

Oh, did they!

A wildfire spread across borders and seas

One by one, people relinquished their idols

There was and is one Lord

What does this mean – that a man, this Lord died for you and me

More so, he didn’t stay dead

He calls us to follow him

I read that story again this morning – Easter morning

Then I went running

Marveling at the blue sky, the azaleas bursting, the dogwoods in bloom

I ran toward that tomb

The linens cloths are still folded there

There’s no body

I’m told there was a breach that’s been repaired

I see a bridge

A new way to live

Like the sun coming up over the horizon

I’m enlightened

I’m running to all the earth

To let each person know there’s no more a curse

Help me, Lord

As I’m telling this story written on my heart: the antidote

The empty tomb – Christ risen, God with us, the world’s greatest hope