(Eph 3:17) that Christ may dwell in your hearts . . .
There is debate as to the exact location of the death and burial of our Lord. Some say the site is at the 4th century Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Others say it is at Gordon’s Calvary where in the 1800’s a site was discovered that had a rocky hill and an empty tomb nearby. Crucifixion was held outside the city walls (Heb 13:11-12) so some say that would be the Gordon’s Calvary site. But, at the time of our Lord’s crucifixion the outer wall of Jerusalem was apparently closer to the center of the city. Which site is the right location?
I recently returned from a trip to the Holy Land and viewed both sites. I’ve studied it and come up “empty.” But that’s the word that triggers a thought. Bottom line is . . . He rose, and the tomb is empty! It could be the ancient church site or the more recent discovery site. But it doesn’t matter. The Bible says they went into the tomb and it was empty. (Mark 16:5-6) And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.
I think a better question to ask than “Which tomb?” would be “Which heart?” Paul said that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith. Is there an emptiness in your life? Then let the risen Lord come in and dwell. He will fill that void inside and maintain permanent residence (Heb 13:5). The Christ child was born in a barn because there was no room for Him in the inn. But the risen Lord is knocking on your hearts’ door (Rev 3:20). Will you let Him in?
Which tomb? It doesn’t matter. Which heart? Well, that’s really the more pressing issue. It’s not where He dwelled yesterday. It’s where He is dwelling today. Let Him fill your empty heart and transform it from a tomb to an occupied room. Then one day you will dwell with Him forever in heaven and see our risen Lord face to face! (Rev 21:3, 22:4)
Louie