On my last trip to Yangon, Myanmar, Nancy and I took our U.S. ministry team through both a Hindu temple and a Buddhist holy site with hundreds of temples. In both places people were repeating prayers and making offerings, hoping that they could merit a better reward in the next life. It’s always hard for me to see these acts of empty worship. Sincere, certainly, yet empty.

A woman who grew up as a Buddhist recently gave her life to Jesus. When asked about the difference she observed, “Buddhism has some good teachings, but Jesus gives life!”

People who follow the teachings of Buddhism or Hinduism live in a vain hope that somehow they can merit divine favor. We who hope in Christ have already entered into the blessing of our loving Father through the offering of a perfect life, given for us, once for all (Hebrews 7:27).

While other religions may offer good teachings or good advice, we bring good news to a suffering world. We have news of a historical event. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin and death, and now lives to make us alive in him. Like the woman said, “Jesus gives life!”

He is risen. He is risen indeed!