~ Service of Light ~
Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:3 | Exodus 14L10-15:1 | Jonah 3 |
Text: Mark 16:1-8
The Gospel begins with proclamation. It is news of events that must be told and explained.
Without the explanation, fear and uncertainty fill in. So much of the world seems self-evident to us, but it is only because this is all we’ve known.
These very women had either seen themselves or heard about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Yet, they solemnly did the ritual for one who had died. Were they in fact tempted to believe the words of the mockers?
“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Matthew 26:43)
But when they arrived at his tomb, all of them together were perplexed and afraid. Their beloved Jesus was not where they expected Him: “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.” The angel announced the glad news: The prison house of sin and death is not so impenetrable as you believe. It cannot hold Him who is truly the Son of God. “See the place where they laid him” because He has not stayed there. “10For [God] will not abandon [His] soul to Sheol, or let [His] holy one see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10) He who tasted death has not by death been vanquished!
Yet, still this life-giving Word must be proclaimed, so that we don’t miss it or fall back on our own wisdom and power. How many around us do we know who do not know this news? It needs to be proclaimed. If we are left to the sermon which the grave and the devil preach, souls are left without hope.
They will go on believing death to be an undefeated master. They believe that Easter is nothing but a quaint holiday to celebrate the cycle of nature into spring—no more more than bunnies and eggs! They will go on believing that nothing could truly bring their conscience peace because they feel the judgment, but have not had the deliverance proclaimed to them!
But the Gospel must be proclaimed, as the evangelist will later say: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15) The proclamation of the Gospel has the power to overturn the reign of sin and devil, and release from the fear of death!
It is no flighty human choice that this Word brings. It isn’t just information for people to consider and decide to align their life to. (Woe to us if preaching the Gospel is no more than convincing people to make the right choice and accept Jesus!) The power of sin and death is mighty, but the “Gospel is the power of God for salvation for all who believe” (Romans 1:16).
This is the powerful Word which has brought us here tonight. This is the powerful Word that overcomes nervousness, social awkwardness, and all kinds of timidity. It has the power of the Father to make a people who truly embody His image for human beings:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV)
The world may not consider us powerful. We may not be of noble birth, and there are countless factors against us. But we are not called children of God because of our great wisdom or popularity. We are called children of God, and declared worthy of eternal life in Christ only. We glory in Him because He has loved us, His enemies, that mysteriously, “in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ it shall be said to them, ‘Children of the living God’” (Hosea 1:10).
You and I are dearly beloved children because this Gospel has been proclaimed to us. Following one’s confirmation in the faith, we are living each day saying, “Yes, by the grace of God.” “The heart of man plans his way,” but by the grace of God, “the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
We rightly pray, “O Lord, open my lips,” but by Your grace, “my mouth will declare your praise.” (Psalm 51:15) In Confirmation, you have been prepared by our Lord to tell of His glorious deeds to others. He is our Lord, and we will not hide His light under a basket. Rather, His light will shine in the darkness, and the darkness will not be able to overcome it (John 1:5).
Alleluia! Christ is risen! (He is risen! Alleluia!) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
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