Death can sting in many ways. First, death can sting by casting a shadow over every moment of life. No matter what earthly joy you are experiencing, death guarantees it won’t last. Second, death can sting by separating loves. There are no phone calls or hugs from the dead. Third, death can sting by instilling fear of what follows. Deep down, every human being senses that after death there is some sort of reckoning. . . a judgement. Yes, death can sting in many ways.

Note that word can. Because He lives, death has lost its sting for those who put their faith in the living Lord. Because Christ lives, we have all the proof we need that God accepted Jesus’ death as the complete and final payment for all our sins. Those who are in Christ need no judgment. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. More, Christ’s resurrection is the assurance that our Christian loved ones are not lost. Death remains unnatural. But Christ has defeated death. So, while death may still cause tears, death does not cause dread. Because He lives, death has lost its sting.

We assume people get what they deserve. We assume that what goes around comes around. We assume God helps those who help themselves. Those assumptions are false. God does not operate on the principle of merit but of grace. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. God never turns it off. At the entrance of God’s open door is not a Father looking to condemn us, but a Father who has eagerly longed for our return. When we do, he takes us in his loving arms and assures us we are still his child. When the weight of our sin makes us fearful of God’s condemnation, he reveals his grace yet again.

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.

The Believer Grows in Christian Character Which Is It?  Muttering or Rejoicing? Welcome to worship… read more

Welcome to worship today at Morrison Zion Lutheran Church.  We exist to glorify God.  We… read more