The empty tomb turned the world upside down. The women were expecting to find Jesus’ dead body in a closed tomb, but instead the stone was rolled away and the body of the Lord was not there. The Lord emptied himself of everything by giving his life. At the outset of this reality, it seemed like another failed attempt at redeeming the world of its failings. The women were left in wonder and confusion but the angels appeared proclaiming, “He is not here; he has risen!” What?! Death is not the final answer?! There is life beyond the grave?!

      Jesus revealed that living a life of self-sacrifice and obedience to God will lead to eternal life and joy. As Jesus gave all his heart and all his love, he was able to conquer death and overcome the grave. Seeking a life of self-promotion and self-glorification, will onlylead us to forfeiting our souls in pursuit of our own benefit. The pursuits and desires of this materialistic world will not carry us past the grave. They have no power to save our lives. They have no ability to do us any good. We use them and then they are gone. They are fleeting and they are weak. They demand our lives to obtain and leave us empty and wanting more. Turn your life upside down.

      Empty yourself and pursue the Lord, then you will find life. Then you will be full, and his power and grace will break through the bonds of sin and death. Stop killing yourself by trying to gain more. Start living real life by giving more, serving more, and loving more. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33). Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matt. 6:24). “Choose you this day whom you will serve” (Josh. 24:15). Please choose life.

-Bryan Johnston