Sunday, April 22, 2001
Sunday, April 22, 2001
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did
not find the body.
In Iowa City they encountered two unexpected problems: the timing of the trip made it impossible
for them to have a dress rehearsal, and the stage assigned to them was smaller than the one in
which they had rehearsed and performed. In addition to his work as a stagehand, Rankin was to
play a policeman. His part was confined to one line--a question. The action proceeded on stage,
including the obligatory murder, which prompted a call for the police. Now it was Rankin's turn.
He rushed in on cue. Unfortunately, because of the smaller stage he stumbled over the corpse,
and fell flat on his face. He arose with as much dignity as he could muster, and, ignoring the
corpse over which he had just fallen, delivered his one line: "Where's the body?"
Today, we are reminded that Jesus' tomb was empty. His resurrection brings us hope and
salvation.
(Luke 24:2-3
NRSV)
I'm reminded of something humorous that happened to Robert Rankin while he was a student at
the Junior College of Mason City, Iowa. Rankin aspired to a theatrical career. He was only a
stagehand with a one-line acting part, but it was a time of glory for his little stage troupe. In a
one-act detective thriller, they had gained supremacy in a regional drama contest and marched off
to the finals at the University of Iowa.
Loving God, rase me to be close to you today. Amen.
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