Pulpit Reflections: Easter essentials
Everyone remembers getting socks and underwear for Christmas, but how many gifts have been all but forgotten? Most of our had-to-have’s end up not to be needed, but woe to the one who discovers he has not packed enough socks and underwear for a trip.
Last Sunday many Christian churches will began Holy Week. Beginning with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and ending on Saturday, you will hear the story of God’s Passion for his fallen creation by accomplishing the essentials, everything necessary, for your salvation. On Sunday morning the Christian church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, our essential and eternal hope. “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:4-5 ESV)
Some refer to the Christian life as a journey. Essential Christianity proclaims the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and through His work, we are provided freely all things necessary, for now and in eternity. The Christian’s journey begins, lives and is resurrected in the one who is the essential gift, Jesus Christ. To His church, the body of Christ, He provides His essentials - forgiveness of sin, life and salvation.
On the first day of the week, the women prepared the customary spices and ointments for Jesus’ body, to do what they could not do on the Friday and Sabbath day. The disciples would be hiding in fear at the crucifixion of their Lord. It was as nothing had changed. There was no hunt, no feast, to choirs or bands. To Mary who mourned at his tomb, Jesus would speak, “Mary,” and her eyes would open in joy. To his disciples gathered in fear, he would speak, “Peace be with you,” and they would be comforted. From mourning to joy, and fear to peace, everything has changed.
This Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, we draw to the essentials. In the midst of our mourning of what’s been lost and fear and frustration over things uncertain, Jesus speaks to us. By his Gospel he calls us by name. By his Gospel he gives us peace, that which the world cannot give. By his death, Jesus conquered death, by opening the grave, Jesus brings joy to the mourning. Jesus has changed everything.
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 15:55-57 ESV)