The Easter season is here. I would like to share my thoughts on this extraordinary time of the year. I believe we all need Hope, especially in the world we are living in. It is my belief that the Empty Cross is there for all of us. The Cross is the beacon of Hope for all who believe.
The Easter story did not start with the crucifixion of Jesus and His resurrection. It started years before with Mary and Joseph, before they were married. Mary was told by God that she was pregnant with a baby who would change the world forever. His name would be Jesus. Just think of what Mary and Joseph had to go through. It was a sin for a Jewish woman to be pregnant out of wedlock. Think of what Joseph felt and how all looked on these two young people. Because of an angel they trusted God, but their lives were not easy—consider their long, 100-mile journey to Bethlehem. At their arrival, there was no place for Jesus to be born but in a barn.
The beginning of this story is significant. It involves miracles, angels, hardship, fortitude and the importance of values, not riches. It is essential to remember how the King of Kings was born and how He lived His life.
God did not ask Jesus to walk this world alone. He gave Jesus the disciples, who were with Him at all times. I think this fact has not been stressed enough. God does not ask us to do the impossible without individuals supporting us. I know in my life God has always made sure I have a very special support team. This team of supporters has changed throughout the years but the team is always there. Just think how difficult—if not impossible—it would have been for me to carry out my mission in life after my go-kart racing accident, if not for my team God surrounded me with. I know at times when things are going bad it seems like nobody is there. God is always there—but I am suggesting to you that He has placed special people in your life at special times to help carry you. In the title of my book The Gift is You the gift is not only God but those individuals God has given me. So I ask, “Who are your gifts?” They are nearby. You just need to recognize and acknowledge them. God has placed them in your life for a reason.
The next message of the Easter story is prayer. Jesus stressed the importance of prayer to His disciples and to Himself. He would at times pray for hours during the day and night. No matter the importance of the tasks He was assigned, He never was too busy to kneel and pray. Prayer has always been so important to me. It was never as crucial as it was when I was in Haiti. There was no radio, TV, newspaper, email. There was not even family to talk to. Even though it seemed like I was cut off from the rest of the world I never felt alone. I had a direct line to God and He was always there when I needed Him. Another time prayer was critical to me was after my accident. Sometimes I felt I had lost everything. All the things I had worked so hard for were now being taken away from me. However, God reminded me He was there and He was the real meaning in life. Jesus, even on the Cross, talked to His Father. How important is prayer to you and your life? Do you pray only occasionally, only in times of need, or do you talk to Jesus like the friend He is to you? I hope it’s the latter, because He so much wants to be a part of your life.
Finally, I would like to say a few words about the Empty Cross. When I was young I never could understand the Cross not having Jesus on it. I thought the importance of the Cross was to show Jesus dying for our sins and salvation. The only time I saw Jesus on the Cross was at Easter. The Empty Cross has a unique and deep meaning. Yes, Jesus did die for our sins and salvation but the reason the Cross is Empty is because He is no longer there. He arose on the third day. Because of His resurrection there is Hope for all of us. The Cross now has so much more meaning.
So, my friends, the Easter story is extremely profound and powerful. Because of Easter there is Hope for you and me. Jesus is no longer on the Cross. He is waiting for you and me. No matter what your circumstances are in life, His hand is reaching for you. You are the reason God sent Jesus to walk among men. You are the reason the Cross is Empty.
It is my prayer during this Easter season you will see the Empty Cross. You will know that God wants you to follow Him and if you do, you will never walk the world alone. What a special gift for those who believe.
Happy Easter!
Have a blessed Easter
Dear Beth, Thank you. Remember the Easter egg hunts in my operating room on Good Friday!
HAPPY EASTER. Dr. Wolf
Thank you again for such inspirational words. May you and your family enjoy a very Blessed Easter.
I am so glad that you have come into my life.
Judy
Dear Judy, Thank you for your special words. God Bless You.
Dr. Wolf
Thank you Dr. Wolf for that message. I know I wouldn’t be here today if I wasn’t God’s shadow following Him all my life. He is my world and ALWAYS will be. I hope you and your family have a great Easter.
Just an update, Nicholas will be 3 yrs. old tomorrow. I remember how fast time flies having Ashley almost 24 years ago. Lol. Life is great, I am very blessed having two beautiful, healthy, happy children.
Dear Shelly, Thank you for sharing your faith in Jesus. You are an inspiration to me and to so many others. I hope you are well. HAPPY EASTER! Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf. You are such an inspiration. I miss you so much. May God continue to bless you. I love you and your sweet wife.
Dear Madlyn, Thank you for you kind words. I am glad you enjoyed my message.
HAPPY EASTER. Dr. Wolf
I definately agree David. The cross is the most significant symbol in my life. The cross with Jesus is a constant reminder of the extreme sacrifice and Love that He has for each of us and the Empty Cross is the true promise of Hope by His Resurection.
May you and your family have a Blessed Easter and continue with Eastertide throughout the Year. David, I will always be a “Balcony Person” for YOU.
John
Dear John, Thank you for sharing and for your special words. What example your life has been to so many. I am glad I can call you my friend. I hope you and Jan will have a very BLESSED EASTER. David
Have a Blessed Easter. Dr. Wolf, you may never know how you have touched our souls thru your ministry. You were a caring Doctor. Thank you!
Dear Marie, Thank you for reading my Easter message. What an honor it was to be your physician. I hope you are well. HAPPY EASTER. Dr. Wolf
What a great article to read! I really like the significance of the empty cross. I never thought of it that way, despite knowing and accepting the resurrected Lord. Thanks for sharing and a blessed Easter ! Knowing how many people’s lives you really have touched and are loved by, please know you are always in my prayers and despite not seeing one another, you are never forgotten and remembered frequently
Respectfully
Anita
Dear Anita, You are such an inspiration to me. I am so grateful that God placed you in my life. Again, thank you for Sunday night. What a special way to start Easter week. Thank you for all your prayers. Love, Dr. Wolf
Thank you Dr. Wolf for your inspirational words. Sometimes we often forget with our busy lives. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. We hope you and Anita have a blessed Easter. Let us know if the girls and I can visit over break. Happy Easter! Lynn
Dear Lynn, Thank you for reading my Easter message. I am grateful it was meaningful to you. Anita and I will be in Florida for the holiday. I will alway remember the times we shared in my office. HAPPY EASTER to all. Love, Dr. Wolf
May you and your family have a blessed Easter
Your words always give me hope
Betty
Dear Betty, Thank you for reading my Easter message. I hope you are doing well.
Dr. Wolf
Dr Wolf
Thanks for the encouraging words
Bett
Dr. Wolf, It is always so special to receive one of your inspirational messages. I feel very blessed to have you in my life all of these year’s. Thank you. Happy Easter to you and your family! ~
Dear Pat, Thank you for taking time to read my Easter message. I am so grateful that I had so many special patients like you. HAPPY EASTER my friend!
Dr. Wolf
Thanks you and your Faith are an encouragement to us all.
Dear Jerry, Thank you you for reading my Easter message. HAPPY EASTER.
Happy Easter Dr. Wolf
Thank you Dr. Wolf.
What a beautiful message. Hope has sustained us for the past year as my husband battles pancreatic cancer.
God’s love, His son dying for us, forgiveness of sins,
life everlasting, and His presence in our lives has
gotten us through so much.
To be absent from the body is to be in the presence of God.
What greater gift can He give us – but everlasting
life with Him.
May your Easter be blessed on this holiest of days.
My best to your wife who was kind enough to call me last fall.
Happy Easter Dr. Wolf. How fitting that I checked my email today, Easter Sunday, and was blessed with your message. You were and still are an inspiration to so many. I am so blessed to have had you as my doctor and then as my employer. Kayla is 19 and Dean is 17. Also, how fitting that as I write this I am watching college basketball. I miss our conversations. Have a wonderful vacation.
Love, K.C.
Happy Easter Dr. Wolf. How fitting that I opened your email on Easter Sunday, and while watching college basketball. Am so blessed to have had you as my doctor and employer. Kayla is 19, Dean 17. Your message is spot on as usual. Thank you for sharing. Love, K.C.
Dear K.C. It is so great to hear from you. Remember the time you and I watched the final game in my waiting room after your examine. We ate popcorn and had a great time. Thank you for being my friend. Dr. Wolf
Inspiring as always. Hope you and all of your family had a Blessed Easter.
Dear Sue, Thank you for taking time to read my Easter message. I hope you and Glen are happy and healthy. I will always remember our special years.
Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf, Thank You for your Easter message. You have always been an inspiration to me. I miss You. Happy Easter to You and Your family!
Good to hear from You. Happy Easter! Miss You!
Dear Julie, Thank you for your kind words. You and your family will alway have a special place in my heart. I miss our conversations. Take care my friend!
Dr. Wolf
Thank you for these great inspirations you have passed onto others, including me! Many prayers have been answered for our family and you continue to be one of them! Hope you a had a great Easter!
Your friend,
Kim
Dear Kim, Thank you. I really appreciate your words.
Dear David, What a blessing it is to be reminded of the supreme significance of the empty cross – the gift of all gifts! I also appreciate your message about the gift of people in our lives – the team God has given to us. Praise God for His wonderful gifts! Easter Blessings to you and your family.
Dear Connie, I thank God for putting you on my team. What a special journey we have had during these last several years. Love, David
Dr. WOLF,
I AM A FRIEND OF JUDY AND RICHARD HURN’S. MY PRAYERS HAVE INCLUDED YOU AND THE HURN’S FOR YOUR BOOK. I BELIEVE SHE IS WRITING YOUR STORY. IT’S HAD UPS AND DOWNS DUE TO PUBLISHERS, RIGHT? WE CERTAINLY APPRECIATE YOUR EASTER MESSAGE. OUR PASTOR SAID GOD IS A GOD OF SECOND CHANCES. HOPE YOUR EASTER WAS SPECIAL AND REMEMBERING GOD’S GIFTS.
Dear Joy, Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. I hope someday to meet many of Connie’s friends.
God Bless you, Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf – Your postings are always a blessing to me. I am so touched by your life and your testimony. I pray that God continues to bless you beyond measure for sharing your faith, your hope and what sustains you. Thank you for your bold witness of what Christ did for us on the cross of Calvary when He died for the sins of all mankind. Thank you for telling others with your words and your life just how they too can trust in the death, burial and ressurection of Jesus Christ.
Dear Debbie, Thank you for reading my Easter message. I appreciate your kind words. God Bless You. Dr. Wolf
David,
As usual, you get right to the heart of the matter. He’s alive!. Thank God, for the empty cross and the empty tomb.
I think you have the title for a future book, The Empty Cross–The Key to Heaven. Fongest regards, Jan
Dear Jan, Thank you for your special words and believing. I am glad God made you a member of my team!
God Bless You. David