Resurrection Sunday

CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN! 

Someone suggested yelling these words out the window or from the porch this morning and listening to hear if there was an answer. At first, I thought this was a great idea. Then I thought how angry or annoyed my neighbors might be (read Proverbs 27:14) and decided maybe not such a great idea. Then I thought, “…but how cool would it be to hear those words being shouted across the community.” Way cool!  

Whether we yell or not. Whether we gather to eat a wonderful meal with family and friends or not. Whether we are in celebratory mood or not. Jesus overturned death through the Resurrection, and this is good…no glorious news. I love the line from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, “Death itself would start working backwards.”

In Christ, we approach life as those who are going to be raised. Doesn’t this inspire a different perspective? Right now is not the whole story (or even the greater part of the story). If I am going to be raised to eternal life, shouldn’t I be thinking a lot about eternal things? So much of our attention gets focused on things that are only temporary. So many of the things that invite worry will not last. 

In light of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, what new and eternal thing are you being called to? In what way can you celebrate the Resurrection not merely by singing or shouting, but by investing in glory of God’s Kingdom? Jesus’s Resurrection from the dead frees us to pursue these things with confidence and courage.

HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

Grace and Peace, Pastor Jeff

Holy Saturday

Matthew 27:62-66; Psalm 30:5

And then it all went dark. Just when it seemed that nothing could get worse, new fears were realized and the weightiness of despair hung thick in the air. Light was eclipsed. 

Today, if you are feeling fear, the darkness of despair; if you are feeling hopeless or isolated; you are not alone, that is exactly how the disciples of Jesus felt. 

Just days earlier, Jesus had been given a king’s welcome. He spoke boldly exhorting repentance and offering a new kingdom. Jesus brought peace and purpose. But now the disciples, some in hiding, fearing for their lives, others in despair, were mourning the loss of Jesus.  

In Christian tradition, today (the Saturday of Holy Week) is called Black Saturday. Jesus was dead. No questions, heart pierced and buried. This is important. He wasn’t “mostly dead” (if you are a fan of The Princess Bride). He was dead. The weight of our sin hung on Him at the cross. Only in death could Jesus pay the price of all our sin. He could NOT be mostly dead or just a little dead to pay this price of our shame and guilt and outright rebellion. We should not skip over this point - it is theologically important. The price of our sin is death.  Jesus paid that price with His life.

But today is also known as Bright Saturday! Because while in despair over the cost of our sin, today we know that Sunday is coming! Yes, Jesus PAID the price of our sin AND he makes us clean, white as snow. Because of Jesus we are also called to be salt and light to the whole world!  Notice with me the juxtaposition: dark and bright, sin and forgiveness, death and new life. 

We are not called to despair in the reality of our circumstances. True, we may be apart from friends and family, restless at home, anxious about the future. But, in Jesus Christ we have hope - yes, for tomorrow and a post-COVID, non-social distanced life - but more importantly for NEW life in Jesus. One where the darkness of our current circumstances is eclipsed by His grace and freedom and an eternity with Him.  

So, today, do take time to grapple with the price of your sin.  But don’t bury yourself in it. If you are a follower of Jesus, who has committed your life to Him, then look to tomorrow and the hope that comes in the Resurrection! 

• Joanie Sickles