On Easter Sunday we stand in spirit before the grave of Jesus.

What is it that magnetizes the faith of Christians all over the world? What is it that draws even the most casual Christian to this tomb on this day?

History knows far more pretentious burial places: the tomb of Tutankhamen with all its lavish wealth, the remains of Lenin displayed in Red Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Washington with its reverent pride. Mohammedans heckle Christian missionaries with the challenge, "We have the tomb of our great prophet Mohammed. You Christians have nothing." The Chinese have the tomb of Confucius. Others can point to the tomb of Buddha. All we Christians have is an empty grave.

That's exactly the point! While all other tombs are evidence of death, Christ's tomb alone is evidence of life. In an instant everything changed forever. Where once the grave held steady at 100 percent retention, now it skipped a beat as Jesus, Savior of all mankind, stepped out into life.

Why believe in some dead religious leader? Where's the proof that their teachings are right? Only one stepped forth from the tomb. Only one rose from the dead. Only one conquered death. Only one offers the guarantee of eternal life to those who follow him. Death is the last word no longer for Jesus' followers--life is.

"I am the resurrection and the life," Jesus said. "He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25,26).

So why do Jesus' followers gather in churches on Easter morning? To show off their Easter finery? God forbid. Rather, to celebrate the victory of Jesus over death, to proclaim their faith, to declare that there is more to Easter than jelly beans, to renew their hope and strength for life and death.

What good is an empty grave? It makes all the difference in the world . . . and in eternity!

John Eich is pastor at Grace, Alma, Michigan.