Death, Resurrection, Stories

Death & Resurrection

More & more, I have a harder time looking death square in the face. It's a horrid experience, but it's a also tremendously salutary. 'The wages of sin is death' (Rom. 6:23). Death is the curse of sin. Sin brought that curse to Adam. 'From dust you came & to dust you shall return' (Gen. 3:19). We live in a world that does not take sin seriously, & it never really has.
       "When I see death up close, I think of Jesus. When I see a loved one's face fall in death, I recall Another who suffered horribly. I know Another who was in agony in His last yours. He could barely breathe. He was beaten, pierced & bleeding. I know Another who spoke His last words. I know Another who said to a terrible sinner who had come to believe,'Today you will be with Me in paradise' (Luke 22:43). I know Another who said, 'It is finished!' (John 19:30). I know Another whose face fell & turned white in death, whose body hung lifeless & was buried.
       And we know how His story ended. Jesus rose from the grave! 'The free gift of God is eternal life' (Rom. 6:23)! 'He was put to death for our transgressions &raised for our justification' (Rom. 4:25)!  ["Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust," Pastor Matthew Harrison, The Lutheran Witness Apr 2019 Rev. Harrison is president of the LCMS.]

"More than just the main point of biblical Christianity, the death & resurrection of Christ is the main point of everything. Jesus' crucifixion is the event around which every moment in history turns, the act of love at the very center of the universe Without Christ crucified, there is no point." ["To the Reader," Rachel Bomberger, The Lutheran Witness Apr 2019. Rachel Bomberger is managing editor of The Lutheran Witness.]

Stories

"As we approach the task of apologetics, we must accept that we cannot give a rational answer to the 'theologian's cross.' But we can hear & live & tell the stories of God's great compassion for His people; of Jesus, who loved us & died to give us life; & of the many people (including us) who have been changed & made new by the love of God in Christ." ["The Defense Attorney & the Storyteller," Rev. Michael Zeigler, The Lutheran Witness Apr 2019. Pastor Zeigler is speaker of The Lutheran Hour.]

Holy Week

This Sunday, Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week, which ends with Maundy Thursday & Good Friday. The entire season of Lent focuses on Jesus' death & resurrection, His victory over sin, death, & Satan, and our status of "poor, miserable," yet saved sinner.