AS THE PASTOR PONDERS. . .
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. [Matthew 28:1-8]
A death row inmate receives the message—"It’s time." Out of his cell, he begins his trek toward the place where he will be put to death for the crime for which he was convicted. It was a rather quick process getting him to this point. It didn’t take long for the wheels of justice to begin spinning. The government worked swiftly to carry out its duty. And so this death row inmate hears the words yelled out, "Dead man walking". Slowly, with agonizing steps he walks, knowing that it won’t be long until he takes his last step and his last breath. Finally, he reaches his destination. He says only a few words. He looks around at those present for this event, taking in all the expressions on their faces—some smiling, some laughing, some crying, and some screaming in despair. "This is it", he thinks to himself. "This what it all comes down to". "I’m going to die, and the life that I had led will be over". He cries out to God. This death row inmate whose crime which brought him to this point really was not worthy of such a gruesome ending to his life knows in his heart that his sacrifice will be able to help others. His loss will be others’ gain. His sorrow and pain will eventually bring about healing. With everyone hearing it, he asks God to forgive those who are doing to this him. He wants them to know that there are no hard feelings for what is happening to him. Finally, death comes to him and the breath in his body leaves him. The witnesses watch in awe—some feeling closure— some feeling great remorse. Whatever they felt about this criminal, it didn’t matter anymore, because what they came to see was over. The government officials allowed the family and friends to receive the body and take it where they wished to lay it to rest. The worst was now over, and everyone could get on with their lives. It wouldn’t be easy for many of the witnesses, but somehow they would have to adjust. They were numb with agony. They were still in shock. There was no official funeral. No long, drawn out speeches. Just a simple interment. Into the grave he went. The final chapter on this man’s life was finally written. Death is victorious. Or was it?
Easter Sunday is God’s answer to that very dilemma. Salvation for the death row inmate and for all of us is carried out. No more do we need to fear death. Death has only a temporary hold over us. It is not the final chapter of the novel for our lives. God declares that His Son is the winner in this battle. And by association through our baptisms and adoption into God’s family, we are winners as well. The empty tomb provides hope for us TODAY! The empty tomb is a sign of God’s victory TODAY! No more do we hear the words, "Dead man walking", but "Raised Lord reigning!". Let us rejoice with great shouts of thanksgiving for the place which holds no death row inmate. Let us rejoice that the place of former death is now a place of present living! Let us rejoice that our Brother Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let us with great diligence race to the streets and spread this Good News to the whole world. May we all celebrate on March 23rd the life-giving resurrection of Our Lord Jesus the Christ! Hallelujah!!
Your Brother in Christ,
Pastor John
REDEDICATION SERVICE IS COMING!!!
On March 30, 2008, we will gather at 3:00 p.m. to worship in celebration and thanksgiving for the finished renovation project in worship space. The bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod, The Reverend Penrose Hoover will be the guest preacher for this exciting time in our congregational history. Following the service, there will a time of fellowship in our narthex with light refreshments offered.
From 1:30 to 2:45, the community is also invited and welcome to an open house in order to tour Calvary Lutheran to see all the changes and improvements made during this long-awaited process.
More details to come in future Sunday morning bulletins. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this special day of festive music and meaningful time for worship!!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
My sincere and deepest appreciation are given to you for the generous gift you gave me for Christmas. It went to very good use. I thank you for your Christian love and support this past year, and I look toward the coming year as we continue our partnership in ministry!
In Christian love,
Pastor John
