By And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Luke 24:4-7).
Can you imagine going to a tomb expecting a body to be there, but instead finding it empty? That would be more than enough to render you perplexed and afraid.
Notice what was said: ”Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen.” Then they were reminded that Jesus had spoken to them about being crucified and rising again on the third day. Obviously, what Jesus said would happen- did happen.
An old Easter hymn contains these words: “I serve a risen Savior; He’s in the world today. I know that He is living; whatever men may say.” I can’t speak for you, but I would love to go to Israel and visit the site where they say Jesus was buried. In my heart and mind I believe I would hear, “Don’t search for the living among the dead. He is not here; He is risen.”
If we look for Him in our dead works- He is not there. If we look for Him in broken dreams- He is not there. If we look for Him in shattered relationships- He is not there. Jesus is alive and does not dwell in the midst of dead things.
Jesus is alive and brings life into our situation. He causes us to rise up to do works that are pleasing to God and that further His kingdom. He brings new life that enables us to dream new dreams. He steps into our lives and helps us establish healthy relationships with others.
He is alive! Since He is alive, we can enjoy a life worth living.
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 