He has Risen

This coming Sunday is Easter. On Easter morning, the women went out with spices so that they could anoint Jesus’ dead body. The idea was to preserve it a little while longer. They were very single-minded about their undertaking. They had one concern, however, “who will roll the stone for from the entrance of the tomb” (Mark 16:3),

When they got there, all their concerns and plans proved to be useless. The stone was not blocking the entrance, but Jesus wasn’t there either. There was a young man (an angel) sitting in the tomb. The women were alarmed! People were often filled with awe and fear in the presence of angels. The angel had a message for them that helped calm them a bit. He says, “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here” (Mark 16:6). As we live in a confusing time, the angel’s message still comforts us as we seek him today.

The most important news that the angel shared with them was “he has risen, he is not here” (Mark 16:6).There is no greater news than that! Luther says, “The blessed resurrection… is pure joy.” It is our greatest delight as well. As Christians, we are Easter people and every day of our lives is Easter.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for raising your dear Son Jesus. Thank you for giving us a faith that receives the blessing of this treasure. Help this joy flow from us so that this victory becomes a part of others around us. Amen

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