How We Find a Living Hope in an Empty Tomb

At some point in life, everyone searches for hope. And while the world offers many forms, they fizzle and fade away. So what if there’s a living hope available to anyone willing to find it?

But where does this hope come from and how do we access it? 

God made plans to bring a living hope to a hopeless people.

Hope’s birth took place in a lowly stable. Hope grew and carried out the heavenly Father’s will. 

Hope has a name. It’s Jesus.

Jesus left the splendor and spiritual riches of heaven to come and save us.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

Hope has a name. It’s Jesus. Jesus left the splendor and spiritual riches of heaven to come and save us. Click To Tweet

Living Hope for a Hopeless People

Jesus came to die for me and for you—for our salvation and the salvation of all willing to embrace this living hope found in the sacrificial blood of Jesus. 

God sent Jesus from the throne room of heaven to take our place. Beaten, bruised, and pierced with nails, His blood spilled on a cross. And He bestowed forgiveness on us to cover our sins.

Jesus saves us from condemnation, wrath, ourselves, other gods, and eternal death. But salvation also brings new and abundant life with Jesus as the Savior of our souls and way of life.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” John 11:25 (ESV)

We each must acknowledge the sacrifice, death, and resurrection of Christ to receive eternal life.

Application: Insert your name in John 3:16 (read it out loud).

For God so loved ____________, that He gave his only Son, that if I believe in him, I will not perish but have eternal life.

Resurrection Hope

The resurrection, the day hope was alive. Hope unveiled in amazing grace. The spotlight on God’s mercy freeing us from sin and shame.

Because Jesus is alive and well, it is well with my soul.

“Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.” 1 Peter 1:21 (NLT)

Jesus’ blood canceled our sin debt. The resurrection gave us grace.

God canceled our former life. The resurrection gave us new life.

Our Father canceled the enemy’s bondage. The resurrection gave us freedom.

The triune God canceled our eternal punishment and death. The resurrection gave us everlasting life.

Jesus’ blood canceled our sin debt. The resurrection gave us grace. The triune God canceled our eternal punishment and death. The resurrection gave us everlasting life. Click To Tweet

Application: Proclaim your redemption story.

My name is ____________ and this is my redemption story.

I was lost, now I’m found. I was blind, but now I see. Jesus rescued me from myself, other gods, sin, spiritual death, and the enemy. The blood of Christ covers me. God saved me. I’ve been redeemed. The heavenly Father gave me eternal and everlasting life.

I’m a new creation. I walk in freedom and victory over the power of darkness. Abundant life is mine. Jesus is mine. The Holy Spirit lives in me. There’s an empty tomb and a risen Savior center stage in my story. Because God is alive and well, it is well with my soul!

Living Hope in the Empty Tomb

“And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where he lay.’” Matthew 28:2, 5-6 (ESV)

Hallelujah! Hopeless never has the last word. Hope rose from the dead when Jesus Christ conquered the grave.

Hallelujah! Hopeless never has the last word. Hope rose from the dead when Jesus Christ conquered the grave. Click To Tweet

God in the flesh came to earth, died a sacrificial death on the cross for the sins of all mankind. Buried in a borrowed tomb and raised to life on the third day. Then Jesus appeared to over 500 people.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV, emphasis added)

Application: Whatever life throws at me, I remember the tomb is empty. 

A Prayer of Hope

Heavenly Father, remind me that I have a living hope in Christ. Whenever I need spiritual victory, help me remember the tomb is empty. Thank You for raising Jesus from the dead, forgiving my sins, and giving me new life. Thank You for hope in Your resurrection power and glory. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Featured photos from our YouTube Channel, Friday’s Forever.

Also see, When Hope Rose From the Dead.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Legacy Linkup/Inspire Me Monday/Tell His Story/Recharge Wednesday/Let’s Have Coffee/Tune in Thursday/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth) and Faith On Fire.

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© 2022 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved