The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day

Because He Lives Death Has Lost It’s Sting

Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Easter morning when Jesus rose from the grave, everything changed. Because He Lives the Resurrection is not a rescue from a physical world gone bad, but a resurrection for a physical world that will once again be very good.

I know that some are here today with with joy in our hearts, and others are here with burdens and questions. Wherever you are, you are welcome here.

So, let’s take a quick journey to Jesus’ tomb to see what’s going on:

To The Tomb

It’s early Easter morning, and the women visit the tomb expecting to find Jesus’ body. Instead, they encounter two angels who ask, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" This pivotal moment redirects them—and us—from seeking Christ in places other than where He has promised to be found. This Resurrection was a turning point then and remains one today: Because He Lives, everything is changed!

Future Expectations are Changed

The women now become eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. We, too, live transformed by this knowledge—embracing all the Resurrection blessings God offers.

Death’s sting is crushed—like a bee that has lost its stinger, it no longer has the last word over Christians. The victory God gives through Christ Jesus is eternal, fulfilling the promise: “The LORD will swallow up death forever.”

Yet, life challenges might make embracing these blessings difficult. Age and physical decline remind us of our mortality. I cannot do the things at age 66 that I did when I was 26, though my mind tells me otherwise. We lament that if we just had the right combination of medicine, we can hold off death a little longer. We might fear death due to a lack of confidence in Jesus’ proclamation, "It Is Finished!" or when earthly concerns overshadow our relationship with Christ.

Reflecting on the Resurrection’s transformative power reveals Easter’s profound impact. While the reality of death persists, its power is redefined. We still face physical death, but now with a new perspective—shaped by God’s promise of eternal life and victory over the grave.

This leads us to consider how we can live our lives as changed people of God, embracing the reality of the Resurrection in our everyday actions and thoughts. Let us explore what it means to Living as Changed People of God, transformed by hope and filled with the confidence of God’s promises.

Living as Changed People of God

Our lives today are shaped by our future understanding. In Holy Baptism, Jesus’ death becomes our death, and His Resurrection grants us a new life. Through faith, God declares holy and righteous, and as live as His new creation, we bask in the grace that He is lavishing upon us, serving others while being transformed into the likeness of Christ.

In the life to come, sin and death are abolished, and on the Last Day when this world as we know it is no more, we will share in Christ’s resurrection with glorified, imperishable bodies. This inspires us to reflect Christ's character now, of love, forgiveness, and grace, living confidently with lives hidden with Christ in God.

Then there’s the promise of becoming like Christ, which calls us to active faith, mirroring His love in our communities. Because Jesus Lives, the troubles we face are temporary. On the Last Day, we will be changed, and forever with the Lord.

Because Jesus lives, we embrace a victorious life defying death’s grip, empowered by the resurrection and eternal life’s promise. In this assurance, we live boldly in hope, reflecting Christ's love and grace.

Christ is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer of the Church

The Resurrection of Our Lord (Easter)

20 April 2025

Holy Lord, mighty God, You have borne the sin of the world and given to us the promise of new and everlasting life. Receive our thanks for the glorious resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. Bring us with Him to our own joyful resurrection and the reunion of all Your saints. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, You have established the Church as the instrument of Your saving purpose and endowed us with the gift of Your Word and Sacrament. Embolden us with the Holy Spirit, that we may be renewed in witness, sustained in trial and refreshed through the Means of Grace. Bless those who bring Your gifts and preach Your Word. Give us willing ears to hear and willing hearts to keep this Easter faith. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give peace, Lord, to our homes and enliven them by Christ’s resurrected life. Let the forgiveness of sins reign among husbands and wives, parents and children. Assure those who live alone that they, too, are Your children, upheld by Your right hand. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all our elected officials. Frustrate the forces of evil, and do not let our leaders cooperate with them or further their goals. Guard our armed forces as they stand watch for us at home and abroad. Let them serve with honor and integrity. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Lord, Your healing and strength are the hope of all the weary and afflicted. According to Your gracious will, give to all the sick and those who suffer healing and relief. Grant them patience and hope until that day when they put on new and glorious bodies raised by Christ and receive the end of all afflictions. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most Holy Father, this is the feast of victory, for the Lamb who was slain has begun His reign. By Your Spirit, prepare us to receive His body and blood for the strengthening of our faith in this mortal life. Build in us anticipation for the marriage supper of the Lamb, which we and all the people of God shall feast upon in His kingdom without end. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, heavenly Father, You have not let Your Holy One see corruption, but have raised Him in triumph from the dead, never to die again. Therefore, our hearts are glad and we rejoice, for our flesh also dwells secure. Since You have set Him at Your right hand, lead us to set His resurrection before us at all times, that His path of life and the fullness of joy in His presence may be known to us, until we come also to the eternal pleasures at His right hand, forevermore; for You, O Father, with the Son and the Holy Spirit are one God, now and forever. Amen.