9 April 2010
Psalm 136; Exod. 13:1-2,11-16; 1 Cor. 15:51-58; Luke 24:1-12

The redemption of the first born is likewise to be a reminder of the Passover. Passover itself is celebrated once a year but the reminder of the work of God this night is to be a part of all of life, the birth of the first male child, the birth of the first of every litter in the animal world, the first fruits of the harvest, all are meant to recall the night of Passover and all that God has done for His people. Life itself is a celebration of the goodness of the work of God in creation and all the blessings of life are meant to recall His goodness and lovingkindness to His people. All that we have and all that we are is made possible because of His goodness. We see this in our pattern of worship. We only fully celebrate Easter once a year but each week we have a little Easter celebration on the first day of the week in remembrance of that first Easter, and we share in the feast in order to remember.

No one believed Jesus was resurrected from the dead when they first heard it. The women thought it an idle tale and the disciples had to see for themselves. Luke gives us the wonderful question posed to the women. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Prior to this day the question was insensible, there were no living here among the dead. Now, however, everything has changed and no one yet knows it. The joy of Easter is a joy all its own, a new truth is proclaimed in the world, what could not be, is. He is indeed the great I AM and the grave cannot hold Him.

There awaits our own personal celebration of Easter. Paul speaks of the day when we shall also participate in the resurrection to eternal life. At present we have this by faith and hope, the certainty that this day will come, but when we see it complete the joy will be indescribable and eternal. We celebrate that truth now, we proclaim it to the world, and we do all this with joy and anticipation. Paul takes one last chance to remind us, however, that in the meantime all that we do matters, the labor in the body is not in vain.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever