Easter- Matthew 28:1-10

Easter is the greatest Christian celebration, but it is not always easy to find the right words to talk about it. The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the overwhelming expression of divine power and grace in all human history. Sermons, hymns, and liturgies are important and appropriate responses, and yet they only scratch the surface. So for me, the quiet reading of a resurrection Gospel and basic prayers of thanksgiving for God's redeeming work sometimes make the point as well as the largest and most elaborate services. The cross of Christ has been transformed and given new meaning. God's grace has overcome sin and death and offered us new life through Jesus Christ.

The Lord is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

Good Friday Reflections

Unexpected events prevented me from observing this Good Friday the way I planned.  Nevertheless, I did hear some impressive words and music through the media, and in my travels, I also dropped in on two different services. I even heard a non-Lutheran praise Luther's theology of the cross! 

At least, there were a few moments when I really meditated on some of the prayers for the day and the Passion Gospel from St. John. The meaning of it all was brought into focus. There were reminders of the brokenness and sin in my life, in the lives of those I know, and in the whole world. We all need Christ, the Lamb of God. We might all pray the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon us sinners") for ourselves and all people. And we should all have a sense of gratitude for divine love and grace flooded.

Thus, although my personal plans for spending the day were derailed, God still used this Good Friday to speak to me through His Word. Thanks be to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for the mighty and awesome deeds of redemption, for His loving grace, and for the promise of salvation to all who have living faith in the crucified Lord Jesus Christ!