By Pastor Steve Nickodemus
He is Risen Indeed!
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?””
John 11:25-26 English Standard Version
Just a week ago we buried the remains of my dear friend John. When you stand at the graveside of someone you loved, your faith is tested like at no other time. Do you really believe that John will live again? Do you believe in eternal life?
We all want to believe that we will see loved ones again. We all want to believe that we will be in heaven forever with those we love. But what is that hope based upon? Your good feelings? Your good works? Your deep needs?
When Jesus asked Martha, “Do you believe this (that I am the resurrection and the life)?”, he wasn’t asking her to believe her feelings. He was asking her to believe in him. Make no mistake about this, the reason that we believe in the resurrection and eternal life for our loved ones and for ourselves is based on one incontrovertible and absolute truth. “He is risen, indeed!”
Because Jesus died and rose again, even if we die we shall live again. Because God loved us so much that he sent his only Son we will live again. Because Jesus obeyed his Father’s will you and I and John and all who trust in Jesus will live again.
This Easter, as believers in Jesus, we stand defiantly in the face of death and darkness and the devil and we proclaim, “Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Hallelujah!” Amen.
“Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!”
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado
