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More than an empty grave to prove (belated)
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More than an empty grave to prove (belated) |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA 
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More than an empty grave I don’t disdain the words “an empty grave is there to prove my savior lives”. He lives! But I have heard the proud unmindful singing unbroken by the grace our savior gives. We taunt the decomposing forms, the leaders and heads of those religions we despise. But those who die with Buddha or Mohammed still must know our holy Christ to rise. And it might do us well to hush our singing long enough to think back on those days when even in Jerusalem a “vacant” sign did not suffice in showing men God’s ways. The sepulcher left Peter most bewildered with John who came there first unto the place where such a strange occurrence had been touted and Mary wept with tears and saw his face. The echoes of the tenantless rang hollow for all who hadn’t seen the Lord themselves. Even tongues of trusted friends it seemed that day laid but idle tales on mocking shelves. So what then made the difference unto them, that company who wrestled with the gloom that only fled away before a living lamp and not a dreary swept and garnished room? It was a fevent Christ who would appear to show himself alive with holy fire. For this was how the message found its motion. To this all present seekers should aspire. It’s still the same today but with a subtle shift, the church can always show a tomb devoid. But what of vibrant life to match tradition’s scrolls substantial cause for tongues to be employed? “Because He lives”, the song proceeds to tell our Christian hope and power of our Lord. Oh that he would manifest himself in us, impelling facts, a double sided sword. A living church escorting truths attested may rescue harps from willows hung in shame. We’ll be like those who dreamt, then sang with laughter when he turns us for the glory of his name. SDJ 4/17/2001 [This message has been edited by Stephanos (edited 04-19-2001).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Stephen Douglas Jones - All Rights Reserved | |||
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ellie LeJeune Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156King of Prussia, PA USA |
OH, Wow! This is so incredibly beautiful. i love the style and lovely flow, not to mention the powerful message. Gloriously done, Stephen. Ellie A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails. |
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VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
You've said it and Ellie has echoed my thoughts on the worth of this piece. Well done, Stephanos! |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
Amen to previous replies. One minister I know says it's important to teach the empty cross, not just the suffering done on it. Rae |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Yes Stephanos you know your gospel and you teach it so well. (And you look so young. I am amazed) Joyce |
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Fading Away
since 2001-03-14
Posts 3131Lynchburg, Virginia |
I'm so amazed... this is a beautiful piece. subconsciously, i think i can eat so much to make my stomach hurt, instead of my heart. |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
Thanks for your kind replies. I did make a few changes to make it flow better. A bit of background... I was in a church once where that beautiful song was being sung, and when the line "an empty grave is there to prove my savior lives" was sung. I felt like the Holy Spirit said to me "An empty grave doesn't prove anyone lives, but a living Christ does". And so this poem is based on that revelation to me, that we somehow need to show the world a living church which is the crown of an empty grave. Stephen. |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Stephen: This is just wonderful and I have read it several times to explore all that is in it. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Lighthousebob Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725California |
Stephanos, Yep, it's a great ol' hymn, #314 in your Hymnal, that is certainly worthy of Easter time. Because He lives all fear is gone... ...and life is worth the living just because He lives. Kind of followed me into your poem.... Anyway, you are correct it's about a whole lot more than just the empty grave. Like the song says when death gives way to victory, we'll see the lights of glory and we'll know he lives..... and, He did leave with us many signs and wonders to help us show our faith to others. Happy belated Easter, Bob <>< [This message has been edited by Lighthousebob (edited 04-21-2001).] |
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Mabel A. Dilley Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859Seattle, WA, USA |
A very good song and a poem to match. "I am not now that which I have been." |
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