| He is Not Here! - article by Joel Hempel The angel’s declaration from the empty tomb that Jesus is not here 1 was a message for the moment and a proclamation for all times. These articles are intended for Christians, so I know I do not have to go into detail to describe the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection. Suffice it to say that when some of the women whose lives had been forever changed because of Jesus went to his tomb to care for the lifeless remains of the teacher and friend they loved so dearly, and discovered the grave was occupied not by a dead body but by an angel, they were confused and afraid. He has risen! He is not here, declared the angel of the Lord. The words “He is not here” seem like an afterthought. It had to be obvious Jesus was not there in the tomb. But that four-word declaration was far more than an afterthought. It was a proclamation that would forever change the hearts and lives of Christians until the end of time. Scripture records no verbal response by any of the women. But we can imagine they had a lot to say to each other as they fled the tomb: Was that an angel? Did you hear what I heard? Jesus is alive? What does that mean? How could it be? Oh my God, could it be true? That simple message – He is not here – would restore hope and meaning not only to the lives of the women, the apostles, and all first-century followers of Jesus, but it would also become a power that gives purpose to all Christians and gives direction to His church in mission. He is not here! So, where is He? We know Jesus ascended and is with the Father in heaven.2 But, we also know Jesus the Christ is God, and as God, he is omnipresent. Therefore, St. Paul can declare – and we can declare with him – I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.3 Scripture is rich with assurance that Christ is with us and within us: If the Spirit of [God] who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 8:11).4 Where is Jesus? He is above us, beyond us, and within us. Christ Jesus is within us not only to assure us of our salvation but also to inspire us to live for Him and reach out in love to others. What would the angel of the Lord now say to us? Jesus is here! 1. Mark 16:6 2. See Acts 1:9-11; Mark 16:19; 1 Peter 3:22 3. Galatians 2:20 4. See also Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 17:20-23; 1 John 4:15. | 
