In 1981 a devastating flood hit central China.  During the flood an ancient pagoda collapsed at Famen Temple.  A few years later, archaeologists were digging through the rubble when they made a startling discovery.  Sealed in a miniature stone casket, they found what they believed to be part of one of the Buddha’s fingers.

It toured Taiwan, and was for a while on display at a mountain-top monastery.  The finger was housed in a miniature golden pagoda as tens of thousands of people came to pay homage to it.  They burned incense and placed flowers all around the relic.  One visitor said, “I was born more than 2000 years after the Buddha but I feel moved and touched to have seen the finger.”  Some said they felt as though the Buddha was actually sitting in front of them.

We do not honor the finger of a dead man.  We worship the living Savior and Lord, Jesus Messiah!

1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. 2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus *said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”