Pastor’s Corner – Christ Is Risen
The Greatest Day in History. Our celebration this weekend highlights more than just a miracle where a man comes back to life after three days in the grave. The majesty of Easter is that because of the events that surround this resurrection, this resurrection is the resurrection of ALL people.
Death is the natural consequence of sin. On the cross Jesus dies as the consequence of taking the sin of all people upon Himself. Easter is the victory over sin AND death. The sin that was taken from us is still gone AND Jesus is alive! It seems impossible for both of these things to be true, but they are.
One could reasonably argue that Jesus took our sins and was sacrificed for them. Others could be convinced that Jesus died and came back to life. The greatest miracle of this all is that Jesus both died for our sins AND is once again alive! Christ is Risen!
The miracle of Easter extends beyond one day, it changes everyday for every person. All of our sins are forgiven, forever, no questions asked. On the Cross of Calvary Jesus suffered and was forsaken by God because of our sin. We know this because Jesus himself was without sin. His punishment had to be for our sin or for no reason at all. His death was our death.
Anyone can die, but Christ is risen! His resurrection on Easter proved that He had the authority to die in our place. His resurrection validated that His claims to be the Savior are true. His resurrection essentially proves His divine person and position and that sin and death have no power over Him or His people.
Easter completes the story of the power and love our God has for His people. Easter means we are free from the guilt and shame of the past and we are free from the fear and uncertainty of our future. Both our past and our future are secure in the Easter Resurrection. Because Christ lives, we live also. We are alive and free today and will live forever. It is finished; Christ is risen!
The beauty and power of Easter is challenging to comprehend. To understand the ways and impact of God stretches even the most learned of minds. Here is the exciting part; God doesn’t ask us to understand, He asks us to believe and be free. Let’s do that together this weekend, and let’s continue do that every day as we are born anew in the Spirit of God and the freedom we have in Him.
Christ is Risen! Nothing can take away the joy and peace of that simple and powerful truth.
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” Matthew 28:5-6
His servant and yours,
Pastor Erik Gauss
Scripture Readings for Sunday, April 9, 2023
Job 19:25-26, Acts 10:34–43 Jerermiah 31:1–6 Psalm 16 Colossians 3:1–4 Matthew 28:1–10
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