Pastors Corner
Where does the Bible talk about Easter? The answer begins by turning to the New Testament. While the Christmas story is told in two of the four Gospels, all four Gospels give a description of the resurrection of Jesus “on the third day.” Just turn to the end of each Gospel and you’ll find the Easter story. But if you stop reading with the Gospels, you’ll truly miss “the rest of the story.”
The New Testament would not have been written, and the Christian Church would not exist, were it not for the Easter story moving like a tsunami through Acts and into the letters and on to Revelation. In the last book of the Bible, we have the most vivid and hopeful images of the future for those who hold faith in the resurrected Lamb-Jesus Christ.
“God himself will be with theml he will wipe every tear for their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more. … See, I am making all things new … To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life … I will be their God and they will be my children.” (Rev. 21.3ff)
In his essay “The Challenge of Easter,” N.T. Wright makes the point that Jesus was raised too soon for the typical Jewish person to believe in its credibility. Resurrection was to happen on the Day of Judgment — a distant day known only to God who would separate the sheep form the goats and reward the faithful for their lives of faith. But what do we do with this Jesus of Nazareth who has appeared before his time? What now becomes of God’s judging actions?
I think we might agree with those 1st Century Jews that we didn’t expect Jesus to so soon return from the dead. The pages of the New Testament, especially Paul’s writings, tell us what to do with this unexpected Jesus. “Walk in newness of life.” “Created in Christ Jesus for good works.” “Live as a child of light.” “The only thing that counts is faith working through love.” “We are ambassadors for Christ.” “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice … be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”
It’s officially Spring, and Easter will be celebrated as something which always happens “too soon.” We do not want to let go of our pre-Easter ways which are marked by more darkness than light. Hear the Easter story from the Gospels and then think on this time the rest of the year.
“If the Spirit of his who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.” (Rm. 8.11)
We all want life to our mortal bodies. The surprise is that you already have it!
A special event will be on Saturday, April 3rd at 7:00 pm. We will receive into the Body of Christ by baptism three infants, one 10 year old, and an adult. It’ll be an exciting service of readings, baptisms, Holy Communion, and the first shouts of Easte praise. It’s called the Easter Vigil. Come and worship our Lord Jesus who was raised “too soon” but just in time for you!
Easter joy to you and yours!
Philip M. Nesvig, Pastor