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Sometimes it seems
like death is winning. No matter who you are or what your life
has been I would guess that there have been times in your life
when that statement seemed true. It could be literal when some
illness has put you or a loved one at death’s door. It could be
more figurative, talking about the “little deaths” of our
lives: disappointment, broken relationships, career setbacks or
countless other things that weigh us down. Sometimes the stuff
of life seems like death. It seems like death is winning.
However, people of Christian faith
are people of life. Isn’t that the point of the Resurrection of
Jesus? So often we think of the Resurrection as a future
promise - Eternal life when we die. That’s true but that’s not
the only truth of the resurrection. It applies to life too. One
of my favorite Easter hymns is “Easter People Raise Your
Voices” (#304 in UM Hymnal). I love the title which reminds of
who we are in Christ. I love the stately majestic tune. I love
the words which sing of victory and promise. I especially like
the 3rd verse:
“Every day to us is Easter,
with its
resurrection song.
When in trouble
move the faster
to our God who
rights the wrong.
Alleluia!
Alleluia!
See the power of
heavenly throngs”
When it seems like
death is winning remember that we are Easter People. When little
deaths seem about to overwhelm us we recall that we are people
of the resurrection. The resurrection is not just about heaven
it’s about earth. It’s about the gritty and grim stuff of life.
Easter brings us hope. It’s a hope that is eternal but we should
never forget that it starts now. It always starts now.
In Christ,
Pastor Rob
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