Live in eager expectation of glory! That glory is not dimmed by earthly suffering; rather, such suffering reminds us of the glory that awaits us. First the cross; then the crown. Our light and momentary troubles cannot mute the joy of living in eager expectation of glory.

The love of God who lives in us leads to a life of obedience. Jesus’ promise of another Counselor is a loaded one: the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to do what Jesus asks. This Sunday’s lessons teach that love for our risen Lord means obedience to His commands. Only Jesus’ promises make that possible.

I am the way, the truth, and the life. Christ’s message is so exclusive that it rejects all others. There is only one way to the Father, and that way is a person. The exclusivity of salvation resting in the person of Jesus Christ is a rock against which the unbelieving world crushes itself, but upon which God builds his Church. The Redeemer Lives to be the only Way to heaven.

The certain hope of eternal life is founded on the death and resurrection of Christ. God had promised this ancient hope in Eden. God had carried this ancient hope in his Word through the ages. How did the disciples fail to anticipate the resurrection? They let their wants and cultural expectations color their view of Scripture, and hope was lost. But God restored this hope by raising Jesus from the dead and pointing his people to his promises. The Redeemer Lives to restore my hope.

After forty days of repentance, the Church bursts forth in praise during Easter. Easter is the oldest festival and season celebrated by the worshiping Church. For a full week-of-weeks (49 days) the Church celebrates the resurrection of Christ on the Sundays of Easter, which culminate on the 5th day, Pentecost. The Redeemer Lives!

In the face of doubt, Christ gives us proof and peace. To the doubting disciples, He gave certain proof that led to certain peace. Through His Word and sacraments, Jesus gives the same proof to all people of all time. The Redeemer Lives! He lives to give me proof and peace.