He is Risen!

Often our Easter hearts are centered on the four imperatives from the angel in Matthew’s story of Jesus’ resurrection, clear direction for the 1st and 21st century churches: Come and see, go and tell!

We will all come, see, go and tell! And, but, let’s back up to another treasure in the angel’s message, three little words that make all the difference to us as the body of Christ, living as we do in resurrection hope, faith, and community.

Three little words that make all the difference to the people of a world bruised and broken, distracted and disastered; a world of people too rich and too poor, too struggling, too separated, maybe even too scared.

Have you guessed the three little words that make all the difference, that almost sound like a throw-away after the angel says, “He has been raised”? Who would hear anything after an earthquake-producing angel streaks from heaven, perches on a big rock and says, “You are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; he has been raised”?

 We hear them. We hear the angel say, “as … he … said.”

No one who comes to the tomb that morning in any of the four accounts of what happened that first Easter says anything like, “Oh yah, I know all about this,” or “This is what I expected.” Even seeing Jesus’ miraculous teachings, healings, and feedings with their own eyes had not prepared them for this gift of new life.

But against all odds, against every possible human and earthly reality, Jesus died and was raised on the third day, as he said. Jesus’ promises are certain and sure. The cross is empty and he is not in the tomb, as … he … said!

Alleluia, church! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!

Pastor Robin