Texts for Easter Sunday: Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 and Colossians 3:1-4
The cross, the suffering, the empty tomb. Easter has arrived and God’s promise has been fulfilled.
Psalm 118 is a psalm of praise and celebration – most fitting for Easter Sunday. It was Martin Luther’s favorite psalm, containing his personal motto – “I shall not die, but I shall live and recount the deeds of the Lord” (verse 17). Our Lord Jesus Christ referred to this psalm saying, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (verse 22). The cornerstone, the strongest part of any building, was rejected by many. And Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith, was rejected by many. What Jesus taught for 3 years was true – He is God’s Son and He came to earth to take on our sins in exchange for salvation for those who believe in Him. Jesus Christ is the reason we have hope and we have the promise of eternal life. Jesus Christ is our cornerstone.
In Luke’s book of Acts 10:34-43, the apostle Peter is summoned to speak to a group of Gentiles gathered at Cornelius’ house. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, invites Peter to speak to his guests after having been visited by an angel of the Lord. This centurion was devout, praying continually to God, but he wanted more. Peter responds by telling Cornelius and his guests the story of Jesus Christ – the Good News that salvation and forgiveness of sins are given to those who believe. Peter adds that now the apostles and disciples must share this Good News with others regardless of their background. Christ didn’t die just for the Jews; His death, resurrection and the resulting salvation was for everyone who believes, including Gentiles. It is news to be shared with others.
The Lenten season of reflection is over; the emotional Passion Week has ended. And now the joyful celebration of Easter begins. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). What took place on the cross was tragic, but it was God’s will, His plan to save us by sacrificing His Son. Jesus died for us, for our sins, so we have our sins forgiven and live in eternity with Him. An act of love, steadfast love that endures forever. The kind of love that can never be taken away from us.
Twelve of Christ’s most loyal companions, the disciples, had difficulty understanding this message even though Jesus spoke of it numerous times during His ministry on earth. Those closest to Jesus were human beings with faults, much like us. There was a doubter, a betrayer, and a denier among them. But after Christ’s death, they did finally understand what Jesus Christ had been teaching them. And they spread that Good News to others throughout the world for the rest of their lives.
And now we celebrate a joyous Easter. We have the hope and promise that Christ lived and died for our sins. Our Father and His Son love us – a steadfast love that endures forever even though we are sinners. Our lives are secure in the knowledge that eternal life with Him is for the faithful. That is the Good News! Go share it with others!
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Marsha Schroeder
Church Elder