Easter Sunday: Empty
Empty
In our fast-paced world, we often equate busyness with productivity and success. We fill every moment of our days, chase financial abundance, and keep our minds constantly occupied. But amidst this pursuit of "fullness," are we truly fulfilled? Or are we simply filled with noise, anxiety, and unfulfilling activities?
This Easter season invites us to reflect on a powerful paradox: the empty tomb. It's a reminder that sometimes, emptiness can be the key to true fulfillment. Let's explore how we can move from merely being filled to being genuinely fulfilled in our spiritual lives.
The Deception of "Filled"
Many of us pride ourselves on packed schedules and constant activity. We might even wear our exhaustion as a badge of honor. "I'm just so busy," we say, as if it's a measure of our worth. But there's a crucial difference between being filled and being fulfilled.
Imagine stuffing a pillow with cotton until it's bursting at the seams. It's full, yes, but is it serving its purpose effectively? Similarly, we can fill our days with tasks and our minds with information, yet still feel a gnawing emptiness inside.
The Gospel: More Than You Think
When we hear "the good news" of Christianity, many of us immediately think of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. While these events are undoubtedly central to our faith, the good news encompasses so much more.
In Mark 1:14-15, we read: "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'"
Notice that Jesus was preaching the good news before His crucifixion. So what exactly is this good news? It's the announcement that God's kingdom – His rule and reign – has drawn near to us. It's an invitation to be part of something far greater than our earthly pursuits.
Three Steps to True Fulfillment
1. Some Things Must Be Finished
On the cross, Jesus uttered the powerful words, "It is finished" (John 19:30). This wasn't just about His earthly life ending. The Greek word used here, "tetelestai," carried multiple meanings:
- In legal terms, it meant a sentence had been fully carried out.
- In financial contexts, it signified a debt fully paid.
- In warfare, it declared the battle was over and victory achieved.
With this one word, Jesus proclaimed that our spiritual debt was paid, our sentence of separation from God was completed, and the ultimate battle against sin and death was won.
For us to move towards fulfillment, we must recognize what Jesus has already finished on our behalf. We don't need to keep striving to earn God's love or forgiveness – it's already accomplished. Let go of the burden of trying to be "good enough" and rest in what Christ has done.
2. Some Things Must Be Buried
Once we grasp what Jesus has finished for us, we need to bury our old ways of thinking and living. Too often, we mentally "resurrect" past sins and shame that God has already forgiven. We keep digging up what should remain buried.
If you find yourself constantly revisiting old guilt or falling back into harmful patterns, it's time for a proper burial. Declare over your life: "I am not defined by my past. What God has forgiven, I choose to leave in the grave. I am an overcomer through the blood of Jesus Christ!"
3. Embrace the Power of Empty
We often fear empty spaces, empty schedules, or moments of silence. But it's in these "empty" times that God often speaks most clearly. The empty tomb is a powerful symbol – it represents not just an absence, but a glorious presence elsewhere.
When was the last time you sat in silence before God, not asking for anything, but simply being present with Him? Try creating space in your life for holy emptiness. You might be surprised at how God fills it with His presence and purpose.
The Ultimate Fulfillment: A Heavenly Home
The good news Jesus preached goes beyond this earthly life. He spoke of a kingdom that is both present now and coming in fullness later. In John 14:2-3, Jesus says, "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
This is the ultimate fulfillment – knowing that we have an eternal home prepared for us. We weren't designed for the struggles and limitations of this world. There's a place of perfect peace, joy, and communion with God awaiting us.
Responding to the Invitation
The early church, as described in Acts 2, shows us how to respond to this good news:
1. Repent - Turn away from self-centered living and towards God's ways.
2. Be Baptized - Publicly declare your new life in Christ.
3. Receive the Holy Spirit - Allow God's presence to fill and empower you.
These steps aren't about earning salvation, but about positioning ourselves to experience the fullness of what God offers.
From Filled to Fulfilled
This Easter, don't just fill your life with more activities or religious observances. Instead, seek true fulfillment by:
- Embracing what Jesus has already finished on your behalf.
- Burying past shame and recurring sins under the power of God's forgiveness.
- Creating space for holy emptiness where God can speak and work.
- Living with the joyful anticipation of your heavenly home.
Remember, you weren't made just to survive this earthly life. You were created for something far greater – an eternity in God's presence. Let that truth fill you with purpose and hope today.
As you reflect on the empty tomb this Easter, may you discover the paradoxical power of emptiness. In letting go of our need to constantly be filled, we open ourselves to be truly fulfilled by God's presence, purpose, and promises.
In our fast-paced world, we often equate busyness with productivity and success. We fill every moment of our days, chase financial abundance, and keep our minds constantly occupied. But amidst this pursuit of "fullness," are we truly fulfilled? Or are we simply filled with noise, anxiety, and unfulfilling activities?
This Easter season invites us to reflect on a powerful paradox: the empty tomb. It's a reminder that sometimes, emptiness can be the key to true fulfillment. Let's explore how we can move from merely being filled to being genuinely fulfilled in our spiritual lives.
The Deception of "Filled"
Many of us pride ourselves on packed schedules and constant activity. We might even wear our exhaustion as a badge of honor. "I'm just so busy," we say, as if it's a measure of our worth. But there's a crucial difference between being filled and being fulfilled.
Imagine stuffing a pillow with cotton until it's bursting at the seams. It's full, yes, but is it serving its purpose effectively? Similarly, we can fill our days with tasks and our minds with information, yet still feel a gnawing emptiness inside.
The Gospel: More Than You Think
When we hear "the good news" of Christianity, many of us immediately think of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. While these events are undoubtedly central to our faith, the good news encompasses so much more.
In Mark 1:14-15, we read: "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'"
Notice that Jesus was preaching the good news before His crucifixion. So what exactly is this good news? It's the announcement that God's kingdom – His rule and reign – has drawn near to us. It's an invitation to be part of something far greater than our earthly pursuits.
Three Steps to True Fulfillment
1. Some Things Must Be Finished
On the cross, Jesus uttered the powerful words, "It is finished" (John 19:30). This wasn't just about His earthly life ending. The Greek word used here, "tetelestai," carried multiple meanings:
- In legal terms, it meant a sentence had been fully carried out.
- In financial contexts, it signified a debt fully paid.
- In warfare, it declared the battle was over and victory achieved.
With this one word, Jesus proclaimed that our spiritual debt was paid, our sentence of separation from God was completed, and the ultimate battle against sin and death was won.
For us to move towards fulfillment, we must recognize what Jesus has already finished on our behalf. We don't need to keep striving to earn God's love or forgiveness – it's already accomplished. Let go of the burden of trying to be "good enough" and rest in what Christ has done.
2. Some Things Must Be Buried
Once we grasp what Jesus has finished for us, we need to bury our old ways of thinking and living. Too often, we mentally "resurrect" past sins and shame that God has already forgiven. We keep digging up what should remain buried.
If you find yourself constantly revisiting old guilt or falling back into harmful patterns, it's time for a proper burial. Declare over your life: "I am not defined by my past. What God has forgiven, I choose to leave in the grave. I am an overcomer through the blood of Jesus Christ!"
3. Embrace the Power of Empty
We often fear empty spaces, empty schedules, or moments of silence. But it's in these "empty" times that God often speaks most clearly. The empty tomb is a powerful symbol – it represents not just an absence, but a glorious presence elsewhere.
When was the last time you sat in silence before God, not asking for anything, but simply being present with Him? Try creating space in your life for holy emptiness. You might be surprised at how God fills it with His presence and purpose.
The Ultimate Fulfillment: A Heavenly Home
The good news Jesus preached goes beyond this earthly life. He spoke of a kingdom that is both present now and coming in fullness later. In John 14:2-3, Jesus says, "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
This is the ultimate fulfillment – knowing that we have an eternal home prepared for us. We weren't designed for the struggles and limitations of this world. There's a place of perfect peace, joy, and communion with God awaiting us.
Responding to the Invitation
The early church, as described in Acts 2, shows us how to respond to this good news:
1. Repent - Turn away from self-centered living and towards God's ways.
2. Be Baptized - Publicly declare your new life in Christ.
3. Receive the Holy Spirit - Allow God's presence to fill and empower you.
These steps aren't about earning salvation, but about positioning ourselves to experience the fullness of what God offers.
From Filled to Fulfilled
This Easter, don't just fill your life with more activities or religious observances. Instead, seek true fulfillment by:
- Embracing what Jesus has already finished on your behalf.
- Burying past shame and recurring sins under the power of God's forgiveness.
- Creating space for holy emptiness where God can speak and work.
- Living with the joyful anticipation of your heavenly home.
Remember, you weren't made just to survive this earthly life. You were created for something far greater – an eternity in God's presence. Let that truth fill you with purpose and hope today.
As you reflect on the empty tomb this Easter, may you discover the paradoxical power of emptiness. In letting go of our need to constantly be filled, we open ourselves to be truly fulfilled by God's presence, purpose, and promises.
Recent
Archive
2025
February
March
Categories
no categories