Rev. Franke's Theme Thoughts

The Resurrection of our Lord March 31, 2013

Lessons for the Resurrection of our Lord  (for Easter Day, not Sunrise or Evening)      

Isaiah 65:17-25  – Isaiah described the age of God’s restoration ushered in by the risen Messiah.

Psalm 16 (antiphon: v. 10)

1 Corinthians 15:19-26 – Just as Adam’s sin brought death to all, Christ by His death has brought us life.

        Luke 24:1-12 – The angels’ words to the women at the tomb brought Peter himself to see that it was empty.

GATHERING THE TEXTS: Easter Triumph!  Easter Joy!

The bewildering message of the angels to the women on Easter morning was quickly investigated by other disciples, who were amazed and wondered at its meaning.  Still today those who trust confidently in our God’s redeeming power know that Jesus’ resurrection gives promise of our own.  He has given us victory over the sting of death and the power of sin so that our mortal bodies may be raised immortal, and we may serve him in love for all eternity!

PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to you, O God!”  You have given me victory over sin and death through my Lord Jesus Christ!  What joyous celebration, dear Lord, is mine today because you have conquered death and given me life!  Amen.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: In the new heaven and new earth, the world redeemed by Christ’s victory, homes and vineyards, all the things that bless our daily lives, will be means to praise our gracious God who has rescued us from sin and death.  Even our material goods in this life have been redeemed and dedicated to God’s ultimate goal.

OFFERING PRAYER:      Christ is risen!  He is risen, indeed!

                                                Our lives are claimed in victory;

                                                Our deeds proclaim God’s love story.

                                                Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!

CONVICTION AND COMFORT: The message today is all proclamation of the amazing event that death has been defeated and the victory over sin has been won for us!!  We are convicted by our timidity which does not celebrate the victory.  We consider such a tale nonsense, like the creation of a new world where children are not doomed to misfortune and where lambs and lions are good neighbors!  The power of the victory does not depend on our comprehension, but has been secured by Jesus’ death and sealed by His resurrection, so that, with Peter, we are left wondering what has happened, that God should care for us so much.

BONUS: – An Easter Hymn

(with new hymn tune by Allison Ulmer, available on request)

Death is Defeated

   Easter Eucharist

Death is defeated!  See the curse of sin

Crushed in a battle we could never win!

Jesus, the Victor, overcame our foes.

On the third morning triumphant He rose!

He was the Victim; now He serves as Priest.

All that He sacrificed becomes our feast.

Come eat His Body, risen from the dead,

And drink the life-giving Blood that He shed.

Death was the ransom Jesus came to pay!

Now to His glory joyful people say:

“Come see His mercy all across the land;

We live our thanks giving praise to the Lamb.”

-- Gilbert A. Franke, 1/23/2012

(Rev 3/16/2013)