Good morning: “He is risen!” It’s been two weeks since we celebrated the news of Easter. But does it matter? Has anything really changed? It didn’t seem that way for the disciples. They saw the risen Lord, but apart from that momentary joy, everything else looked much the same. The Jewish authorities were still intent on persecuting anyone who preached Christ. The empty tomb was soon forgotten. People were far more concerned with earthly wealth than spiritual riches. For us, too, Easter has not brought visible, dramatic changes. We still have work and school. Bills still arrive in the mailbox or online. A spring cold may drag you down for a few days. Frustrations and problems are just as prevalent as before. The world goes on filled with violence, suffering, and death. So has anything really changed? It has, absolutely! Easter does more than bring about superficial changes. It is the source of new, deep-down comfort and confidence. Sin is still a part of our lives and world and always will be until Jesus returns. The good we want to do, we don’t do. The evil we don’t want to do, we keep on doing. Every harsh word, selfish action, and wrong thought condemns us to eternal death. But Easter transforms condemnation into comfort. Jesus suffered our condemnation. His resurrection is proof that our sins have truly been paid for and all is well with God. “He is risen!” means that, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” No matter how easy or difficult, busy or relaxing the day may be, you have the peace of God which nothing can take away. Easter gives us new confidence for what comes next. In light of the resurrection, Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). Easter changes our whole perspective. Instead of slogging through life without meaning, purpose, or goal, we live for the Lord. Heaven is already ours. We are free from sin and death. We have the joy of sharing the Easter news with our children and grandchildren, friends and neighbors. We gladly labor for the Lord in showing his love to all those around us. In some ways, nothing has changed. But in those things which really matter for eternity, everything has changed. Take Easter comfort and confidence along with you wherever you go today! “He is risen!” He is risen indeed! In Christ, Pastor The choir rehearses at 8 a.m. tomorrow. Our service is at 9 a.m. Sunday school and Bible class begin at 10:15 a.m. The Bible class will focus on how Jesus is our Good Shepherd who died and now lives forever to bless and keep us as his own treasured flock.
