This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Ps 118:24). Amen.
Fear and Easter. Does that combination sound strange? Do we have the right holiday? You may have bought some new clothes for today, but not a scary costume. That is October. This is April. It is spring, not fall. Do they go together? Fear and Easter.
• I am not thinking about the fear of not finding a basket immediately, hidden secretly somewhere in the house. If you have young ones, they probably already took care of that tradition already. This may be one of those mornings that you don’t have to convince them to get out of bed—and even early. No alarm necessary. Finally, what better breakfast can there be than a row (or two) of those multicolored peeps jammed in that fake grass?
• I am not referring to the fear of not cooking a ham thoroughly, taking it out of the oven too quickly. No sense in giving any guest stomach issues. (That might be enough about that.)
But there was fear on the first Easter. The condition was there. And so was the command. Don’t be afraid. Jesus rose. Jesus lives. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go ahead and worship. And go forward and witness. We read the account of Jesus’ exit from the sepulcher from …
Matthew 28:1-10
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus, the once crucified Christ and now the living Lord,
I want you to consider this for a minute. Can you summarize Easter in three words?
If you suggest, “He has risen,” that is good. You are in excellent company. That was the exact announcement of the angel (Mt 28:6).
But you get some extra credit if you say, “Don’t be afraid.” That is what I am going to submit this morning.
Don’t Be Afraid at Easter
1. Go ahead and worship (1-10)
2. Go forward and witness (6,7,10)
1. Go ahead and worship (1-10)
Perhaps a child asks for permission to eat his 92nd jelly bean of the day before lunch. Mom is either feeling extra generous or just being incredibly foolish, but she states, “Go ahead and wolf it down.” The little one will be excited—at least for a time, not so much later. Easter is bigger than that. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go ahead and worship.
Their worst fear had been realized as Jesus’ enemies successfully engineered his execution. That is why Mary and Mary were traipsing to the tomb (Mt 28:1). Jesus was dead. We know what cemeteries are for. We have been to one or two before.
It was Sunday morning. And it was early. The first streaks of the sun were visible on the horizon. There was a bit of brightness. But there was a slew of sadness.
They were both there on Friday when Jesus hung on the cross (Mt 27:56). They had watched him die. They had witnessed when Joseph of Arimathea had put him in his new tomb. And they only had a few minutes to prepare Jesus’ body for burial because the Sabbath day was about to begin. That seventh day of the week was to be one of no work—only rest. (We might wonder how much or how well they did that.) And now it was the first day. And they would finish the task—one final one for these devoted followers for their dear friend. He deserved that dignity at least.
Matthew mentions the earth moving (Mt 28:2). It would have measured fairly high on the Richter scale. People comment that is a scary event in of itself. This was the second tremor in a few days. The first one happened on Friday when Jesus gave up his spirit (Mt 28:50,51). And now this one. It was as if God was tying the crucifixion and the resurrection together in one seismic knot. Ultimately those two occurrences go hand in hand. These were great and glorious works of the Lord. Jesus did die. Jesus did rise.
As Matthew draws our attention to the ground shifting, he adds the detail of the angel coming down. “And going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it” (Mt 28:2). That was to let people in, not let Jesus out. It is like opening a gift. We want to know what is inside. But this time we are not disappointed that there is nothing there.
And there was no mistaking this messenger (just like the white stuff that fell from the sky this past week). “His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow” (Mt 28:3).
It is no wonder that the Romans soldiers did their best impression of an earthquake—moving back and forth, trembling with fear (Mt 28:4). These battle-tested men were no match for the angel. They were filled with fright—like corpses.
Notice that there was not even a word to them. But there was to the women when they arrived. “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28:5). He is quite emphatic. “You. Yes, you. Stop it. Don’t be fearful anymore.” He acknowledges their reason for wondering: “I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified” (Mt 28:5). They were anticipating finding one who was dead. It was true. He had been nailed to an instrument of torture. But now, no. “He is not here; he has risen” (Mt 28:6). The dead One is the living One. There was no reason for fear.
Jesus defeated death. It could not hold him. He did not remain in death (Ps 118:17,18). He removed the cause of fear which went all the way back to another Garden—in Eden. Adam and Eve hid after they believed the lie of the crafty serpent and ate of the forbidden fruit. And sin brought death (Ro 5:12). And that was our lot in this life and hell our future in the next. But Jesus died. And Jesus rose. The one who believes in him lives, even though or even when he dies. And the one who believes never really dies (Jn 11:25,26). Jesus is the resurrection and the life. And because he lives, we live (Jn 14:19). We can set our hearts on things above (Col 3:1). Don’t be afraid at Easter. Life is ours.
And it was not to embarrass them like when one classmate is right about some information and relays to another with a bit of superiority, “I told you so!” But this is to educate. There was the mild reminder from the angel: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Mt 28:6). Had they innocently missed it? Or simply dismissed it? Jesus had been clear. And on numerous occasions (Mt 16:21; 17:23; 20:19). Suffering, death, and resurrection. And resurrection. There is no reason for fear. Jesus is not where they left him three days earlier.
As the Son of God, Jesus spoke the word of God. And it is all truth. It is finished (Jn 19:30)—everything to rescue us.
Guilt is gone. Completely.
Salvation is sure. Absolutely.
Heaven is home. Eternally.
It is all in the Word. That is why we turn to it often—right here and at home, in public meditation and private devotion. Like we do as the apostle Paul encourages us in his letter: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Col 3:4). Jonah stated it beautifully in the belly of the great fish: “Salvation comes from the LORD” (Jo 2:9). Don’t be afraid at Easter. We have the Word.
After he shares that, the angel wants to show them: “Come and see the place where he lay” (Mt 28:6). They looked but didn’t loiter. They had a divine mission from the divine messenger: “Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him’” (Mt 28:7).
And so they did—with a mixture of fear and faith. We can’t blame them. We have been there too. They had expected one thing and experienced another. They were still pulling it together. We have had time to put it together. Jesus is not in that grave.
And then, there he was. Jesus. He didn’t make himself known to Pilate or the Sanhedrin. But to these women. “Greetings” (Mt 28:9). Jesus didn’t come to taunt or terrify them. “What are you going to do with the spices now?” But to comfort and console. “It is really me.”
They didn’t run from him, but to him—falling down on their knees. “They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him” (Mt 28:10). As they bowed before him, they might have seen the wounds of the nail marks. It really was Jesus. They took hold of flesh and blood. There was no reason for fear.
Some refute it. Others refuse it. But Jesus has been raised from the dead (1 Co 15:20). Don’t be afraid at Easter. Jesus lives to silence fears (CW 152:5).
And again there is that directive, really two—this time from Jesus: “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Mt 28:10). Did you catch it? “Brothers.” Wait a minute.
Didn’t one of them deny him in the courtyard, cursing and then swearing? Brother. Yes.
Didn’t the others disappoint him in the olive grove, snoring then sprinting? Brothers. Yes.
Weren’t they holed up in the locked room at that moment, hiding and shuddering? Brothers. Yes.
And how about us? We are strangely similar to those men. But Jesus calls us, he considers us brothers and sisters. Yes. We are part of Jesus’ family—just like Olivia as Jesus adopted her as his very own through water and Word. He is not ashamed of us (He 2:11). We are forgiven. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go ahead and worship the risen Savior.
2. Go forward and witness (6,7,10)
Possibly that same child is bold enough to assume that that jelly bean approval extends to a 25th candy bar. (He has made quite a haul.) Mom would surely agree to that, he thinks. After all, they are labeled “fun size.” You can’t have too much fun.” Easter is better than that. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go forward and witness.
The ladies were not to keep the news to themselves. Both the angel and the Lord made that plain:
Angel: “Do not be afraid. … Go quickly and tell his disciples” (Mt 28:6,7).
Jesus: “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers” (Mt 28:10).
We don’t hide it either, but herald it. We preach Christ crucified and Christ raised (1 Co 1:23). This day. And every day. God accepted his sacrifice for us. And so we report it to all whose conscience condemns and repeat it to all whose hearts are confused. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go forward and witness to the risen Savior.
Is that right? Fear and Easter. No. Not at all. Maybe we will just have to settle with six words instead of three to sum up Easter. That is not too much. He has risen. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid on Easter. Go ahead and worship. Christ is risen. Go forward and witness. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia. Happy Easter. Amen.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever (Ps 118:29). Amen.
April 16, 2017
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Sixth Sunday in Lent--Palm Sunday (Psalm 24:1-10)
“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt 21:9). Amen.
This is not English class. So don’t get too excited (either good or bad – I don’t want anyone to start to smile brightly or begin to sweat profusely). Let’s talk about an adjective. It is a word that modifies a noun. It defines it—what a person or thing is like.
Maybe it is easier if we try an example. Think of this coming week and your calendar. How would you describe it? Here are some suggestions:
• A simple week—not really any things to deal with—like only having to decide where to go out to eat. (That would be nice, wouldn’t it? [both the eating out and limited concerns])
• A moderate week—a few things to take on—like one issue at school or at work every other day, but for the most part manageable.
• A hard week—a lot of things to attend to and you don’t know where to start. (That may be normal.)
We all have had weeks that fit into those categories—simple, moderate, or hard. Those are all adjectives.
What about the next seven days for Jesus? We can stick with the normal designation. It is a holy Week. Holy because it is separate from, set apart from all the others. It is indeed special—from Sunday to Sunday, with Jesus entering the capital city on one end and exiting a borrowed tomb on the other end. We even put informative words in front of the days—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
We head into this important week today. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us and who deserves joyful praises from us. We read from …
Psalm 24:1-10
Dear Members of Christ’s Kingdom,
It is this way for me at least. You too probably. Nobody really notices when we are out and about. We can go to the store and there is no paparazzi snapping pictures. There are no reporters asking questions. We can come and go as we please without a lot of fuss or fanfare. The most that we might muster up is a wave from a cashier when we walk in or smile from a worker when we walk out. And that is fine. Who cares what groceries we are buying or what clothes we are wearing?
It is different for celebrities and stars. There is no missing them as a crowd gathers around them and gawks at them. There are excitement and enthusiasm. It was that way for Jesus as he arrives in Jerusalem. We join the psalmist David as we celebrate this day (Ps 24 introduction).
Welcome the King of Glory
1. Who brings wonderful blessings for us (1-6)
2. Who deserves joyful praises from us (7-10)
1. Who brings wonderful blessings for us (1-6)
Perhaps grandkids can get away it when grandma and grandpa come. But I don’t know how good that it would make a guest feel if we opened the door with “Ok, what do you have for me?” Not really a great greeting. But Jesus comes bearing gifts. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us.
The King of glory has the ability and capability to bless us.
He is the Owner of all things. David is emphatic. “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps 24:1). To him belong every item and every individual—starting with what we can see and stretching to what we cannot. And then everything in between. The Lord is not limited or only local. And he operates out of love. Jesus rules with all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18).
He is the Creator of all things. “For he founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters” (Ps 24:2). Jesus was present at creation as the planets were fixed and the flowers were planted like when a builder puts down the foundation of a building and puts up the walls (Jn 1:3,4). Jesus continues his control even though sin wrecks and Satan ruins. He is still the head of the Church (Eph 1:20-23).
But with those credentials or qualifications—Owner and Creator, David poses an interesting question in regard to the coming King: “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?” (Ps 24:3). Are you brave enough to march up to him? Are you bold enough to make your way to him? You can be if you meet the four criteria:
• “He who has clean hands” (Ps 24:4). This is not a mommy who speaks to her son who has been coloring with magic markers: “Did you wash your hands? Show me them.” This refers to hands that are free from guilt or blame, not smudges or smears. Innocent. You? Me?
• “He who has … a pure heart” (Ps 24:4). Thoughts and intentions that are without perversion. We picked them out as a child removes crust from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That is absent from us? You? Me?
• “Who does not lift up his soul to an idol” (Ps 24:4). There is always and only single and sincere allegiance to God—no one and nothing kicking him out of first place—our own pleasure or the latest technology, another person or the greatest toys. The worthless stuff replacing the Worthy Savior. You? Me?
• “Who does not … swear by what is false” (Ps 24:4). It is just the truth that crosses our lips. You? Me?
Who is going to go up or go before the King? We would rather be gone from him than be glad because of him. But that is not what is what the prophet Zechariah encouraged for God’s people. “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you” (Ze 9:9). He comes to you and he comes for you.
And in fulfillment of God’s promise. Matthew highlighted that as Jesus sends his disciples for a royal requisition of a definite donkey (Mt 21:2,3). “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet” (Mt 21:4). And notice him:
“See, your king comes to you, righteous” (Ze 9:9). Jesus was right—in line with God’s standard of perfection. No sin. Not ever. Not once. But righteous is not just who he is, but also what he gives—righteousness (Je 23:6). He removed our guilt and replaced it with his holiness (2 Co 5:21).
“See, your king comes to you … having salvation” (Ze 9:9). He took up our sins by taking them to Calvary. We celebrate that this Friday. From the pen of the apostle Paul: “He humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Php 2:8). That is where and that is when he bore our sin to bring us to himself. He crushed Satan’s head and conquered sin (Ge 3:15). He rescued us.
Now God can deliver to us what he demands of us. David declares: “He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior” (Ps 24:5). Everything is in order between us and God because of Jesus. The Lord in his love clears our account of anything and everything against him. And that is why Jesus gets on that beast of burden with determination and rides on, rides on in majesty (CW 133). He knows what is ahead—death and resurrection. All for us. We join all those before us and even after us: “Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob” (Ps 24:6). Like Jacob, God blesses us by bringing us into his family (Ge 32:26). Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us—there are clean hands and pure hearts, souls that are fit and words that are fine. That is worthwhile to consider (Ps 24:6—Selah).
2. Who deserves joyful praises from us (7-10)
Possibly a visitor does bring a token or a trinket when they walk into our homes. Again, I doubt that a good response would be, “What? Is that all?” That borders on tactless. There might instead be a “thank you” or a “this is nice.” We react the same with Jesus. Welcome the King of glory who deserves joyful praises from us.
Two times David invites all God’s people and us to meet the monarch. “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in” (Ps 24:7,9). The repetition is for stress. This is not something out of fear, but in faith as the conquering hero comes. The entrances of the city are to be thrown wide open to receive him.
It was that way on that initial Palm Sunday. The disciples placing their cloaks on the donkey as a makeshift saddle (Mt 21:7). The people joining in the festivities—their garments and tree branches on the road. That was an early red carpet treatment. And those shouts of happy acclaim from those in front and those behind. We add our voices to the mix as we look back at the King who has come on that day and look ahead to the King who will come on the Last Day.
We got to listen in to some of the chants: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Mt 21:9). He is here—the Promised One from David’s line, the Messiah, the Christ, to serve and to save. And that is what “hosanna” means: “Save now, I pray.” And Jesus did.
It is more than just an idle wish. Because of the recipient of our joyful praises:
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Ps 24:8). Jesus came to fight for us and free us from the devil. And he did on the cross. The victory is his. And now it is ours (1 Co 15:57).
“Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory” (Ps 24:10). He is over every force in heaven and on earth. He is all-powerful and his reign is universal.
It doesn’t hurt to get ahead of ourselves. This is not like an overconfident team celebrating a win before the final buzzer. Actually we confess it in the Apostles’ Creed all the time. Jesus died—included in that is all the suffering he had to endure and experience. We have been replaying that as we read the Passion History—betraying and denying, mocking and ridiculing, whipping and crucifying.
But Jesus rose—included in that is all the reverence that he is afforded and offered. We will return here next Sunday as we will relay the same message. As Paul mentioned, God lifted Jesus up. And honored his name, the very name that means “Savior”—Jesus (Mt 1:21). And “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Php 2:10). Some do it out of terror. We do it out of trust. Welcome the King of glory who deserves joyful praises from us—both right now and forever. He has saved us. That is valuable to contemplate (Ps 24:10—Selah).
Maybe you have no idea what adjective to put in front of your week. It can range from painless to stressful. We do know what kind of week Jesus has in store. A Holy Week. A week unlike any other. (That sounds as if I stole the tagline from the Masters golf tournament. But that is “a tradition unlike any other.”) One of the golfers might go by us unnoticed. We don’t want to do that with Jesus. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us and who deserves joyful praises from us. He helped us and we hail him. Happy Palm Sunday. Happy Holy Week. Amen.
“Hosanna! … Blessed is the King of Israel!” (Jn 12:13). Amen.
April 9, 2017
Of David. A psalm.
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory. Selah
This is not English class. So don’t get too excited (either good or bad – I don’t want anyone to start to smile brightly or begin to sweat profusely). Let’s talk about an adjective. It is a word that modifies a noun. It defines it—what a person or thing is like.
Maybe it is easier if we try an example. Think of this coming week and your calendar. How would you describe it? Here are some suggestions:
• A simple week—not really any things to deal with—like only having to decide where to go out to eat. (That would be nice, wouldn’t it? [both the eating out and limited concerns])
• A moderate week—a few things to take on—like one issue at school or at work every other day, but for the most part manageable.
• A hard week—a lot of things to attend to and you don’t know where to start. (That may be normal.)
We all have had weeks that fit into those categories—simple, moderate, or hard. Those are all adjectives.
What about the next seven days for Jesus? We can stick with the normal designation. It is a holy Week. Holy because it is separate from, set apart from all the others. It is indeed special—from Sunday to Sunday, with Jesus entering the capital city on one end and exiting a borrowed tomb on the other end. We even put informative words in front of the days—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
We head into this important week today. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us and who deserves joyful praises from us. We read from …
Psalm 24:1-10
Dear Members of Christ’s Kingdom,
It is this way for me at least. You too probably. Nobody really notices when we are out and about. We can go to the store and there is no paparazzi snapping pictures. There are no reporters asking questions. We can come and go as we please without a lot of fuss or fanfare. The most that we might muster up is a wave from a cashier when we walk in or smile from a worker when we walk out. And that is fine. Who cares what groceries we are buying or what clothes we are wearing?
It is different for celebrities and stars. There is no missing them as a crowd gathers around them and gawks at them. There are excitement and enthusiasm. It was that way for Jesus as he arrives in Jerusalem. We join the psalmist David as we celebrate this day (Ps 24 introduction).
Welcome the King of Glory
1. Who brings wonderful blessings for us (1-6)
2. Who deserves joyful praises from us (7-10)
1. Who brings wonderful blessings for us (1-6)
Perhaps grandkids can get away it when grandma and grandpa come. But I don’t know how good that it would make a guest feel if we opened the door with “Ok, what do you have for me?” Not really a great greeting. But Jesus comes bearing gifts. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us.
The King of glory has the ability and capability to bless us.
He is the Owner of all things. David is emphatic. “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps 24:1). To him belong every item and every individual—starting with what we can see and stretching to what we cannot. And then everything in between. The Lord is not limited or only local. And he operates out of love. Jesus rules with all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18).
He is the Creator of all things. “For he founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters” (Ps 24:2). Jesus was present at creation as the planets were fixed and the flowers were planted like when a builder puts down the foundation of a building and puts up the walls (Jn 1:3,4). Jesus continues his control even though sin wrecks and Satan ruins. He is still the head of the Church (Eph 1:20-23).
But with those credentials or qualifications—Owner and Creator, David poses an interesting question in regard to the coming King: “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?” (Ps 24:3). Are you brave enough to march up to him? Are you bold enough to make your way to him? You can be if you meet the four criteria:
• “He who has clean hands” (Ps 24:4). This is not a mommy who speaks to her son who has been coloring with magic markers: “Did you wash your hands? Show me them.” This refers to hands that are free from guilt or blame, not smudges or smears. Innocent. You? Me?
• “He who has … a pure heart” (Ps 24:4). Thoughts and intentions that are without perversion. We picked them out as a child removes crust from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That is absent from us? You? Me?
• “Who does not lift up his soul to an idol” (Ps 24:4). There is always and only single and sincere allegiance to God—no one and nothing kicking him out of first place—our own pleasure or the latest technology, another person or the greatest toys. The worthless stuff replacing the Worthy Savior. You? Me?
• “Who does not … swear by what is false” (Ps 24:4). It is just the truth that crosses our lips. You? Me?
Who is going to go up or go before the King? We would rather be gone from him than be glad because of him. But that is not what is what the prophet Zechariah encouraged for God’s people. “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you” (Ze 9:9). He comes to you and he comes for you.
And in fulfillment of God’s promise. Matthew highlighted that as Jesus sends his disciples for a royal requisition of a definite donkey (Mt 21:2,3). “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet” (Mt 21:4). And notice him:
“See, your king comes to you, righteous” (Ze 9:9). Jesus was right—in line with God’s standard of perfection. No sin. Not ever. Not once. But righteous is not just who he is, but also what he gives—righteousness (Je 23:6). He removed our guilt and replaced it with his holiness (2 Co 5:21).
“See, your king comes to you … having salvation” (Ze 9:9). He took up our sins by taking them to Calvary. We celebrate that this Friday. From the pen of the apostle Paul: “He humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Php 2:8). That is where and that is when he bore our sin to bring us to himself. He crushed Satan’s head and conquered sin (Ge 3:15). He rescued us.
Now God can deliver to us what he demands of us. David declares: “He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior” (Ps 24:5). Everything is in order between us and God because of Jesus. The Lord in his love clears our account of anything and everything against him. And that is why Jesus gets on that beast of burden with determination and rides on, rides on in majesty (CW 133). He knows what is ahead—death and resurrection. All for us. We join all those before us and even after us: “Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob” (Ps 24:6). Like Jacob, God blesses us by bringing us into his family (Ge 32:26). Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us—there are clean hands and pure hearts, souls that are fit and words that are fine. That is worthwhile to consider (Ps 24:6—Selah).
2. Who deserves joyful praises from us (7-10)
Possibly a visitor does bring a token or a trinket when they walk into our homes. Again, I doubt that a good response would be, “What? Is that all?” That borders on tactless. There might instead be a “thank you” or a “this is nice.” We react the same with Jesus. Welcome the King of glory who deserves joyful praises from us.
Two times David invites all God’s people and us to meet the monarch. “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in” (Ps 24:7,9). The repetition is for stress. This is not something out of fear, but in faith as the conquering hero comes. The entrances of the city are to be thrown wide open to receive him.
It was that way on that initial Palm Sunday. The disciples placing their cloaks on the donkey as a makeshift saddle (Mt 21:7). The people joining in the festivities—their garments and tree branches on the road. That was an early red carpet treatment. And those shouts of happy acclaim from those in front and those behind. We add our voices to the mix as we look back at the King who has come on that day and look ahead to the King who will come on the Last Day.
We got to listen in to some of the chants: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Mt 21:9). He is here—the Promised One from David’s line, the Messiah, the Christ, to serve and to save. And that is what “hosanna” means: “Save now, I pray.” And Jesus did.
It is more than just an idle wish. Because of the recipient of our joyful praises:
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Ps 24:8). Jesus came to fight for us and free us from the devil. And he did on the cross. The victory is his. And now it is ours (1 Co 15:57).
“Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory” (Ps 24:10). He is over every force in heaven and on earth. He is all-powerful and his reign is universal.
It doesn’t hurt to get ahead of ourselves. This is not like an overconfident team celebrating a win before the final buzzer. Actually we confess it in the Apostles’ Creed all the time. Jesus died—included in that is all the suffering he had to endure and experience. We have been replaying that as we read the Passion History—betraying and denying, mocking and ridiculing, whipping and crucifying.
But Jesus rose—included in that is all the reverence that he is afforded and offered. We will return here next Sunday as we will relay the same message. As Paul mentioned, God lifted Jesus up. And honored his name, the very name that means “Savior”—Jesus (Mt 1:21). And “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Php 2:10). Some do it out of terror. We do it out of trust. Welcome the King of glory who deserves joyful praises from us—both right now and forever. He has saved us. That is valuable to contemplate (Ps 24:10—Selah).
Maybe you have no idea what adjective to put in front of your week. It can range from painless to stressful. We do know what kind of week Jesus has in store. A Holy Week. A week unlike any other. (That sounds as if I stole the tagline from the Masters golf tournament. But that is “a tradition unlike any other.”) One of the golfers might go by us unnoticed. We don’t want to do that with Jesus. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us and who deserves joyful praises from us. He helped us and we hail him. Happy Palm Sunday. Happy Holy Week. Amen.
“Hosanna! … Blessed is the King of Israel!” (Jn 12:13). Amen.
April 9, 2017
Of David. A psalm.
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory. Selah
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Fifth Sunday in Lent (John 11:17-27,38-45)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
Spring has sprung. Do you believe me? You might answer, “Yes,”
• Because the calendar says so (even though it might not seem like April).
• Because the temperatures are higher (even though there are still days that cool and crummy).
• Because the light stays longer (even though there are still skies that are gray and gloomy).
• Because you have seen signs of life—a sprout of a plant poking through the ground (even though the grass is still brown or bare).
Yes, I believe you. It is spring.
Spring turns our attention to life. Jesus turns our thoughts to it too—even in the face of death. Is that possible? Life when and where there is death? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise and because of your power. We read from …
John 11:17-27,38-45
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who is life and who gives life,
And yet if we are honest, we find it hard—this “believe.” I don’t care what thesaurus you crack in print or consult online for a synonym—to trust in, to rely on, to be sure of, to have confidence in. It is difficult. There is that trace of doubt in your mind or touch of uncertainty in your head. So we pull out the adverbs with question marks. Really? Seriously? That is not that same as the affirmatives with exclamation marks: Definitely! Absolutely!
What about Jesus miracles? Fact or fiction? Some may wonder. We will not waver. No matter which one—the deaf hearing, the crippled walking, the storms calmed, the bellies fed. They are especially notable.
But so are the times when in spite of death there is life—Jairus’ daughter, the widow’s son, and Jesus’ friend. The other two remain nameless. But not the third—Lazarus. Those three are extremely remarkable. All because of the One behind them—the resurrection and the life (Jn 11:25). Nothing is impossible for him even when it seems that way to us. We believe them because we believe him.
Yes, Lord, I Believe You
1. Because of your promise (17-27)
2. Because of your power (38-45)
1. Because of your promise (17-27)
“Today it will be 84° degrees. I promise.” I don’t know what you think of that. You get skeptical. Perhaps, “Keep your day job. A meteorologist you do not make.” Possibly, “Check a weather app. Not too likely unless you meant 48°.” My promise is just words and you don’t believe me. Not so with Jesus. Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise.
Four days is a long time. That would put us at this coming Thursday since today is Sunday. It is even longer if you are waiting—for something good or bad. Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus that their brother was very ill (Jn 11:3). We don’t know with what. In the meantime, as they anticipated Jesus’ appearance, tragedy struck. Lazarus had died. That detail is critical. Dead. Lazarus was not unconscious. Lazarus was not in a coma. His lungs had stopped breathing and his heart ceased beating. Everything pointed to that.
He had been in the tomb four days (Jn 11:17). That is the reality of cemeteries then and now. They are for those who are not living.
There were those who had come for their condolence calls, making their way to that abode in Bethany, which was relatively close to the capital city. “Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother” (Jn 11:19). You don’t go to a funeral home nowadays for someone who is alive.
And Jesus showed up. We ought not miss that point. He always arrives at the right time for the right purpose. That is good to keep in mind when we wait in pain and wait in sickness and wait in hurt. We can criticize. We can question. Or we can contend: “Yes, Lord, I believe you.” He cares. And he comes.
There is a bit of a mix of emotions in Martha’s greeting: “Lord,” … “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (Jn 11:21,22). It is hard to tell what she had in mind other than a combination of grief and faith was gnawing at her heart. We get it. We have been there.
And now Jesus is there. To do more than just give his company and compassion. (There is nothing wrong with that either.) But more—his comfort. It comes with a promise. “Your brother will rise again” (Jn 11:23). Death—no disagreement there. But life—no limit here.
That can be helpful when we stand with someone who stares at the death of a loved one: “Your brother, sister, mother, father, etc. will rise again.”
And when we lash out at Martha, the busybody—trying to get Mary to help her with the meal while she just sits there at Jesus’ feet, we need to look at Martha, the bold believer (Lk 10:38-42). It is hard to beat her first confession: “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (Jn 11:24). That is striking. She must have spent some time in study of the Word too—more than likely from Jesus. “I know, Jesus.” Not, “It would be nice, Jesus.”
And he goes on with that profound explanation of what that is all about and with emphasis: “I am the resurrection and the life” (Jn 11:25). I am …
The resurrection. In him there is a rising up.
The life. In him there is a rising again to life (cf. Jn 1:4; 5:26).
He really is resurrection life. Because he lives, we live (Jn 14:19).
Jesus mentions what that means:
“He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (Jn 11:25). Jesus focuses our eyes on eternity. Death does not mark the end of life even when it makes an unwelcome visit, but it means the entrance into life. Dead, but alive. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Ps 116:15).
“And whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:26). Those living by faith never really die. There is life—right now on earth and forever in eternity.
And then there comes Martha’s second confession. Equally as stunning. Jesus gets personal: “Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:26). And in response: “Yes, Lord,” … “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world” (Jn 11:27). She had come to that conclusion about Jesus. And that continued to be something fixed for her.
There was no denying death that day. There is no dodging it today. As we stand at Lazarus’ tomb, it is real. Just like it has been and will be for us. And it is not natural. Death is not what God intended. But when sin entered the world, it was holding hands with its ugly companion death (Ro 6:23). The one brings the other. And neither one is pleasant or pretty. If that is the case, then where is the consolation? Who will rescue us from death (Ro 7:24)? Thanks be to God. He does. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
That is the promise of God’s Word. And so we view dry bones with Ezekiel in that valley, not just scarcely dead, but severely dead—as if the slightest wind might reduce them to dust (Ez 37:1-14). But the prophet proclaims the Word. And there is life. Like with us. Those dead in sin become alive in Christ (Eph 2:1,5). We believe and have life through Jesus who is the life (Jn 3:16; 14:6). And we have life to the full (Jn 10:10). God creates life—physical, spiritual, and eternal. And he keeps it.
Death will touch us. It will not triumph over us. Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise. Those who die live. Those who live never die. With the psalmist we sing: “The LORD is gracious and righteous” (Ps 116:5). With Martha we state: “You are the Christ—the One whom God selected to serve us. You are the Son of God who saved us. You are the One who was to come into the world. You were sent from heaven to die for my guilt and rise again for my guarantee. You are the resurrection and the life. And by believing in you, I have life in your name” (Jn 20:31). Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise of life.
2. Because of your power (38-45)
What if I lower my prediction to 59° Fahrenheit for today? (Real feel, no wind chill.) Does that make it more convincing? You get cynical. “If only.” Finally just because I forecast it doesn’t force it to be. I don’t have that ability. Jesus does. Not just with weather, but with death. Or should we change that to life? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your power.
Jesus got to the grave. It was more than likely looked like a cave with a boulder blocking the entrance (Jn 11:38). There is a touching point before an amazing miracle. Jesus was “deeply moved” (Jn 11:38). It was not audible, but internal, like the snorting of a horse. Sin’s destruction was obvious—what it did to Lazarus and all those gathered—and it hit Jesus. Suffering. Sadness. Distress. Death.
But he didn’t throw up his hands in frustration, but raised his voice with firmness: “Take away the stone” (Jn 11:39). That brought a bit of protest from Martha. She is respectful, but she reminds him of the four days. There was the caution that by now he would stink. She didn’t want to smell the decay or spot the decomposition. (We will let it right there.) And she didn’t want Jesus to either.
But hadn’t Jesus spelled it out: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (Jn 11:40)? This would be to God’s honor. And that is where Jesus directed the people as they rolled away the rock. He was thankful that the Father had heard him and that the Father and the Son operated in perfect harmony. It was good for them to believe that he dispatched Jesus for a distinct purpose and with divine authority (Jn 11:42).
And as if he was holding a megaphone, he shouted so all could hear: “Lazarus, come out!” (Jn 11:43). Three words—death defying words: “Lazarus. Here. Outside.” And he obeyed. “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face” (Jn 11:44). This was not some prearranged signal. Notice again how John refers to him—he had died. The dead one was now the living one. The One who is life gives life.
Then Jesus instructed them to untie, unwrap the grave clothes. (We think along the lines of a mummy.) He wouldn’t need them anymore. And he could go home. John records the result of all of this on the spectators. They had been watching carefully and closely. “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him” (Jn 11:45). As eyewitnesses, each one could echo what Martha had exclaimed: “Lord, I believe you because of your power.”
We might let our mind steer us in different directions, but let us stick with what we know. And that is enough. Where there is death, there is life. All because of Jesus’ power over it. And not just here in Bethany. Soon Jesus would walk the two miles into Jerusalem where he would ride in on a donkey. Before long the religious leaders would plot and plan and then accomplish and achieve Jesus’ death by crucifixion on Good Friday. But three days later is Easter Sunday. Death could not hold him. He removed death from us by returning to life. Jesus lives for us. He has been raised from the dead (Ro 8:11; 1 Co 15:20).
And he will do the same for us. He will reunite our bodies and souls and give us glorified ones (Php 3:21). The voice that boomed at your baptism, “This is my son. This is my daughter” and allows us to call God, “Abba, Father” (Ro 8:15), will bellow on the Last Day (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28,29): “Come out.” For as the apostle Paul penned: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Ro 8:17). The glory of heaven is ours. Nothing can or does compare to that. Yes, Lord, I believe because of your power. You deliver from death and give life (Ps 116:8).
Spring is here. That might not be too much of a stretch to believe. There are telltale indicators of life. (Maybe not as many today when it won’t be 84° or even 59°. One day.) We could claim the same at Lazarus’ tomb. Do you believe Jesus? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise of life and your power over death. It is not: “In life there is death.” But: “In death there is life.” It is true. Amen.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ro 15:13). Amen.
April 2, 2017
Spring has sprung. Do you believe me? You might answer, “Yes,”
• Because the calendar says so (even though it might not seem like April).
• Because the temperatures are higher (even though there are still days that cool and crummy).
• Because the light stays longer (even though there are still skies that are gray and gloomy).
• Because you have seen signs of life—a sprout of a plant poking through the ground (even though the grass is still brown or bare).
Yes, I believe you. It is spring.
Spring turns our attention to life. Jesus turns our thoughts to it too—even in the face of death. Is that possible? Life when and where there is death? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise and because of your power. We read from …
John 11:17-27,38-45
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who is life and who gives life,
And yet if we are honest, we find it hard—this “believe.” I don’t care what thesaurus you crack in print or consult online for a synonym—to trust in, to rely on, to be sure of, to have confidence in. It is difficult. There is that trace of doubt in your mind or touch of uncertainty in your head. So we pull out the adverbs with question marks. Really? Seriously? That is not that same as the affirmatives with exclamation marks: Definitely! Absolutely!
What about Jesus miracles? Fact or fiction? Some may wonder. We will not waver. No matter which one—the deaf hearing, the crippled walking, the storms calmed, the bellies fed. They are especially notable.
But so are the times when in spite of death there is life—Jairus’ daughter, the widow’s son, and Jesus’ friend. The other two remain nameless. But not the third—Lazarus. Those three are extremely remarkable. All because of the One behind them—the resurrection and the life (Jn 11:25). Nothing is impossible for him even when it seems that way to us. We believe them because we believe him.
Yes, Lord, I Believe You
1. Because of your promise (17-27)
2. Because of your power (38-45)
1. Because of your promise (17-27)
“Today it will be 84° degrees. I promise.” I don’t know what you think of that. You get skeptical. Perhaps, “Keep your day job. A meteorologist you do not make.” Possibly, “Check a weather app. Not too likely unless you meant 48°.” My promise is just words and you don’t believe me. Not so with Jesus. Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise.
Four days is a long time. That would put us at this coming Thursday since today is Sunday. It is even longer if you are waiting—for something good or bad. Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus that their brother was very ill (Jn 11:3). We don’t know with what. In the meantime, as they anticipated Jesus’ appearance, tragedy struck. Lazarus had died. That detail is critical. Dead. Lazarus was not unconscious. Lazarus was not in a coma. His lungs had stopped breathing and his heart ceased beating. Everything pointed to that.
He had been in the tomb four days (Jn 11:17). That is the reality of cemeteries then and now. They are for those who are not living.
There were those who had come for their condolence calls, making their way to that abode in Bethany, which was relatively close to the capital city. “Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother” (Jn 11:19). You don’t go to a funeral home nowadays for someone who is alive.
And Jesus showed up. We ought not miss that point. He always arrives at the right time for the right purpose. That is good to keep in mind when we wait in pain and wait in sickness and wait in hurt. We can criticize. We can question. Or we can contend: “Yes, Lord, I believe you.” He cares. And he comes.
There is a bit of a mix of emotions in Martha’s greeting: “Lord,” … “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (Jn 11:21,22). It is hard to tell what she had in mind other than a combination of grief and faith was gnawing at her heart. We get it. We have been there.
And now Jesus is there. To do more than just give his company and compassion. (There is nothing wrong with that either.) But more—his comfort. It comes with a promise. “Your brother will rise again” (Jn 11:23). Death—no disagreement there. But life—no limit here.
That can be helpful when we stand with someone who stares at the death of a loved one: “Your brother, sister, mother, father, etc. will rise again.”
And when we lash out at Martha, the busybody—trying to get Mary to help her with the meal while she just sits there at Jesus’ feet, we need to look at Martha, the bold believer (Lk 10:38-42). It is hard to beat her first confession: “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (Jn 11:24). That is striking. She must have spent some time in study of the Word too—more than likely from Jesus. “I know, Jesus.” Not, “It would be nice, Jesus.”
And he goes on with that profound explanation of what that is all about and with emphasis: “I am the resurrection and the life” (Jn 11:25). I am …
The resurrection. In him there is a rising up.
The life. In him there is a rising again to life (cf. Jn 1:4; 5:26).
He really is resurrection life. Because he lives, we live (Jn 14:19).
Jesus mentions what that means:
“He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (Jn 11:25). Jesus focuses our eyes on eternity. Death does not mark the end of life even when it makes an unwelcome visit, but it means the entrance into life. Dead, but alive. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Ps 116:15).
“And whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:26). Those living by faith never really die. There is life—right now on earth and forever in eternity.
And then there comes Martha’s second confession. Equally as stunning. Jesus gets personal: “Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:26). And in response: “Yes, Lord,” … “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world” (Jn 11:27). She had come to that conclusion about Jesus. And that continued to be something fixed for her.
There was no denying death that day. There is no dodging it today. As we stand at Lazarus’ tomb, it is real. Just like it has been and will be for us. And it is not natural. Death is not what God intended. But when sin entered the world, it was holding hands with its ugly companion death (Ro 6:23). The one brings the other. And neither one is pleasant or pretty. If that is the case, then where is the consolation? Who will rescue us from death (Ro 7:24)? Thanks be to God. He does. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
That is the promise of God’s Word. And so we view dry bones with Ezekiel in that valley, not just scarcely dead, but severely dead—as if the slightest wind might reduce them to dust (Ez 37:1-14). But the prophet proclaims the Word. And there is life. Like with us. Those dead in sin become alive in Christ (Eph 2:1,5). We believe and have life through Jesus who is the life (Jn 3:16; 14:6). And we have life to the full (Jn 10:10). God creates life—physical, spiritual, and eternal. And he keeps it.
Death will touch us. It will not triumph over us. Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise. Those who die live. Those who live never die. With the psalmist we sing: “The LORD is gracious and righteous” (Ps 116:5). With Martha we state: “You are the Christ—the One whom God selected to serve us. You are the Son of God who saved us. You are the One who was to come into the world. You were sent from heaven to die for my guilt and rise again for my guarantee. You are the resurrection and the life. And by believing in you, I have life in your name” (Jn 20:31). Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise of life.
2. Because of your power (38-45)
What if I lower my prediction to 59° Fahrenheit for today? (Real feel, no wind chill.) Does that make it more convincing? You get cynical. “If only.” Finally just because I forecast it doesn’t force it to be. I don’t have that ability. Jesus does. Not just with weather, but with death. Or should we change that to life? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your power.
Jesus got to the grave. It was more than likely looked like a cave with a boulder blocking the entrance (Jn 11:38). There is a touching point before an amazing miracle. Jesus was “deeply moved” (Jn 11:38). It was not audible, but internal, like the snorting of a horse. Sin’s destruction was obvious—what it did to Lazarus and all those gathered—and it hit Jesus. Suffering. Sadness. Distress. Death.
But he didn’t throw up his hands in frustration, but raised his voice with firmness: “Take away the stone” (Jn 11:39). That brought a bit of protest from Martha. She is respectful, but she reminds him of the four days. There was the caution that by now he would stink. She didn’t want to smell the decay or spot the decomposition. (We will let it right there.) And she didn’t want Jesus to either.
But hadn’t Jesus spelled it out: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (Jn 11:40)? This would be to God’s honor. And that is where Jesus directed the people as they rolled away the rock. He was thankful that the Father had heard him and that the Father and the Son operated in perfect harmony. It was good for them to believe that he dispatched Jesus for a distinct purpose and with divine authority (Jn 11:42).
And as if he was holding a megaphone, he shouted so all could hear: “Lazarus, come out!” (Jn 11:43). Three words—death defying words: “Lazarus. Here. Outside.” And he obeyed. “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face” (Jn 11:44). This was not some prearranged signal. Notice again how John refers to him—he had died. The dead one was now the living one. The One who is life gives life.
Then Jesus instructed them to untie, unwrap the grave clothes. (We think along the lines of a mummy.) He wouldn’t need them anymore. And he could go home. John records the result of all of this on the spectators. They had been watching carefully and closely. “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him” (Jn 11:45). As eyewitnesses, each one could echo what Martha had exclaimed: “Lord, I believe you because of your power.”
We might let our mind steer us in different directions, but let us stick with what we know. And that is enough. Where there is death, there is life. All because of Jesus’ power over it. And not just here in Bethany. Soon Jesus would walk the two miles into Jerusalem where he would ride in on a donkey. Before long the religious leaders would plot and plan and then accomplish and achieve Jesus’ death by crucifixion on Good Friday. But three days later is Easter Sunday. Death could not hold him. He removed death from us by returning to life. Jesus lives for us. He has been raised from the dead (Ro 8:11; 1 Co 15:20).
And he will do the same for us. He will reunite our bodies and souls and give us glorified ones (Php 3:21). The voice that boomed at your baptism, “This is my son. This is my daughter” and allows us to call God, “Abba, Father” (Ro 8:15), will bellow on the Last Day (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28,29): “Come out.” For as the apostle Paul penned: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Ro 8:17). The glory of heaven is ours. Nothing can or does compare to that. Yes, Lord, I believe because of your power. You deliver from death and give life (Ps 116:8).
Spring is here. That might not be too much of a stretch to believe. There are telltale indicators of life. (Maybe not as many today when it won’t be 84° or even 59°. One day.) We could claim the same at Lazarus’ tomb. Do you believe Jesus? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise of life and your power over death. It is not: “In life there is death.” But: “In death there is life.” It is true. Amen.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ro 15:13). Amen.
April 2, 2017
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