Visiting graves was not uncommon in biblical times, but what makes it applicable today? My life began in a graveyard. While not physically birthed among the tombstones, it is a place God used to begin prying my eyes open for the need for salvation. I was 27 years old and soon to be divorced for the second time. Shame fit me like a custom-made coat.
One afternoon, I felt an urge to walk through our local cemetery. Strange, I know. It was the first and last time it happened. As I meandered around the gravestones, I suddenly realized I was surrounded by names of those who were no more. It struck me that this too would be my destiny, something I’d given little thought to at the age of twenty-seven.
At that moment, two simple questions came to mind that changed everything: So, how do you want to live your life knowing this will one day await you? Do you want to continue living for yourself, or do you want your life to count for something? Less than a week later, I surrendered my old way of living to Christ.
Whether saying goodbye to a loved one or an old way of living, life can begin in a graveyard.
Does the Bible Say Anything about Visiting Graves?
The Bible does mention people vvisiting graves several times.The most well-known account of visiting a grave is that of the three women who visited Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome witnessed His crucifixion and followed Joseph from Arimathea to the new tomb where Jesus was placed.
“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb? (Mark 16:1-3)
