The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day)
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle B
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Acts 10:34-43 (C, RC, E)
Peter preaches to the people that everyone, no matter their nationality, no matter their ethnic origin, everyone who fears (loves) Jesus and does what is right is acceptable to him. Peter then retells the story of JesusÍ unblemished life, of the marvelous deeds he performed, how he, Peter, and some of his friends have been witnesses to all that Jesus did in Judea and in Jerusalem. He tells how Jesus was executed, then reappeared to certain chosen people, and dined with some. Thus, the expectations of the prophets were fulfilled in Jesus the Christ, and all who believe will be forgiven.
This pretty much summarizes the Christian faith as we understand it. Most of the elements are there. The gospel is universal. Jesus is the fulfillment of prophetic preaching. His ministry was one of great deeds with no sin. He was killed by his enemies, rose from death. He made himself known as the risen One. He forgives the sins of all who believe.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (C)
Paul here affirms his unshakable belief that Jesus, having ñdied for our sins,'' was buried and then returned from death. It is clearly important to Paul that we understand that this was ñwritten in the Scriptures,'' and that several people reported having seen Jesus, most recently James and ñall the apostles.'' Finally, Paul quite bluntly states that Jesus appeared to him as well, though he was a somewhat Johnny-come-lately. Paul seems to struggle a bit between his innate humility, which leads him to define himself as ñleast of all the apostles,'' and his obvious euphoria over the fact that GodÍs grace is working through him to call others to the faith.
Had this passage been extended to include the next few verses, we would have seen that Paul believed that because Jesus was returned from death, the same will be true for all who believe in him, who accept him as Lord of their lives. Were this not true, ñwe have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe'' (v. 14). Nonetheless, this is all implied in the lesson we have here. Today we find comfort in the promise that Jesus has revealed to us that there is a life beyond this mortal life we currently live, and through him, we can expect to enter that new life.
Lesson 2: Colossians 3:1-4 (RC, E)
Paul affirms the baptismal faith. We are welcomed into new life where Christ is ñseated at the right hand of God,'' no doubt a figure of speech by which Paul meant to affirm the primacy of Jesus in the Kingdom of God. We are urged to focus lifeÍs emphasis on the right and good things of life, turning away from all the earthly concerns which divert us from what is best. If we do this, we shall be revealed along with Christ in glory.
This is certainly an idealized set of instructions. ItÍs another case of an impossible ethic set before us, not, I would think, that Paul seriously expected many of us to comply, but to remind us of the highest possible goal to which we might strive. I was once an idealist as I came into the Christian faith. I initially had it in mind that those mentors whose preaching and teaching meant so much to me were men of near-perfect character. I still love them dearly, but I soon learned they have their so-called feet of clay like the rest of humankind. I since have numbered many servants of the church among my friends, but have known very few such saints as Paul described. In truth, I have found comfort in this, because of what I know of myself. God builds with broken bricks. The Church has long survived and flourished in the care of sinful men and women. If therein lies our sin, therein too lies our hope.
Gospel: John 20:1-18 (C); John 20:1-9 (RC)
This version of Easter morn is excitingly detailed in describing the initial events around the tomb. Peter and another disciple, having heard the news that the tomb has been found empty, dash there to see the cloths with which the body was, by tradition, bound lying neatly on the ground. The first portion of the passage concludes rather curiously by noting that the disciples then returned to their homes.
Mary Magdalene, whose life story must have been remarkable, is there. Grieving, she encounters two figures dressed in white whom she takes to be angels. Their queries also seem strange. ñWoman, why are you weeping?'' Strange, since the answer must have been obvious. ñWhom are you looking for?'' Again. One doesnÍt ordinarily wander into a tomb looking for just anyone. Either these angels had their minds on other things or, more likely, thereÍs a lot to this story that wasnÍt recorded. In any event, another figure appears whom Mary presumes to be the gardener. It is, in fact, Jesus, and when she hears his voice she recognizes him. Jesus quickly warns her not to delay him as he has not yet gone to his destination. She is to inform the disciples that she has seen Jesus and been told that he would soon be ascending to the Father.
This passage has the ring of truth, partly because of the unanswered questions it poses. Why did the disciples head for home, rather than getting together to celebrate? Why did the angels ask such obvious questions? Were they, in fact, angels? Many mainline Protestant churches are not enthusiastic believers in the idea of angels at all. Why didnÍt Mary recognize Jesus? There may be simple answers to these questions, but the fact that John was not concerned for such matters does, in fact, make him believable.
Gospel: Mark 16:1-8 (C, E)
Even allowing for the fact that in JesusÍ day people didnÍt have a scientific outlook which argues against the idea of life after death, itÍs little wonder these women were terrified at what they encountered when they went to anoint the body of their good friend. Who that ñyoung man'' might have been who wore the white robe we canÍt know, but you have to be amused at his comforting ñdonÍt be alarmed'' when the women realized that someone had rolled away the large stone which would ordinarily seal a tomb, and that JesusÍ body was missing. ñDonÍt be alarmed,'' indeed. ñSo they went out and ran from the tomb, distressed and terrified.'' For a while they remained silent ñbecause they were afraid.''
This is a terribly important passage for a number of reasons. Appearing in Mark, the earliest of the Gospels, it is almost surely a firsthand report from Peter whom we believe to have either known Mark, or at least have had many mutual friends. Clearly, it bears witness to the physical return of Jesus, and without that witness, itÍs doubtful that there could ever have been a Christian faith. Our entire theology of God rests on the affirmation of JesusÍ physical return for a brief time, and then his return in a spiritual form to Paul.
In preaching on this passage, I would emphasize that while this serves as the assurance of life after death, it also assures us of a beginning of new life here and now. In spiritual form, Jesus comes to each of us as loved ones. Of course we have little human-type minds, so we have to try to simplify things with our Trinitarian formula. (Is it Jesus, or is it the Holy Spirit, or is it God „ or are those all different ways of referring to one reality which is too great for us?)
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñNew Life Before You''
Text: Acts 10:34-43
Theme: Peter himself, as spokesman of this passage, personifies the promise of which he speaks. Recall that Peter was very recently a frightened man in the courtyard as Jesus was being interrogated. When accused of being a henchman of Jesus, Peter loudly denounced Jesus. Tradition tells that as Peter cried out his final denunciation, he looked up and saw Jesus standing on a balcony above his head, looking down at the man whose words he had just heard. It is reported that Peter then dashed into the darkness, overwhelmed with shame.
Now, days later, we find Peter unapologetically declaring the heart of our faith. Emerson once said something like this: ñWhat you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.'' But we soon learned that Peter was indeed a changed man. He had accepted forgiveness, knew now what his life was about, would in due time suffer the death from which he had run. So Peter himself verifies the truth of what he says.
1. Faith is universal. It is for any person who loves Jesus. The Bible uses the word ñfear,'' but that is an ancient usage for the qualities of admiration, devotion, and love. (You canÍt love someone if youÍre afraid of that person.)
2. Faith brings peace. It was ñthe Good News of peace through Jesus Christ ...'' of which Peter spoke. It seems that ñpeace'' is not the absence of stress or conflict. Peter was to face plenty of that. Peace of mind in the biblical sense is assurance, the realization that in the end, nothing can overcome us.
3. Faith brings forgiveness. This, through ñthe power of his name.'' Peter is the example. How he was transformed from a frightened fisherman to a heroic preacher of a message which could lead to oneÍs imprisonment and death (as it did for Peter, and Paul), because his sins were forgiven. That doesnÍt mean a divine ñThatÍs okay, Peter, I forgive you.'' ItÍs much more powerful. It means God says, ñPeter, you are a new man now. You are set free from your confining little fears and temptations. A whole new life I now open before you.'' ThatÍs the message „ for Peter, and for us.
Title: ñThe Most Important Thing of All''
Text: Colossians 3:1-4
Theme: Yes, this is an impossible ethic. Some of my clergy friends, some whom I admire very much, love such things as nice cars, vacations at the beach, good restaurants. I once sat as a panelist on a television show, along with a well-known clergyman of a very conservative religious group. He made impressive points about the need to serve Jesus. I, admittedly somewhat self-righteously, remarked how easy it was to become enamored of the things of the world, and used the example of expensive shoes and new Cadillacs. As he and I walked out to the parking lot, I happened to notice he was wearing very expensive alligator shoes. He seemed to wait until I was some distance ahead before going to his car, but I looked back and saw it was a new Cadillac. True.
I wouldnÍt quarrel with that gentlemanÍs right to wear what he wants and drive what he wants. I only submit that the most sincere among us will be doing well if we at least aspire to set our hearts ñon the things that are in heaven,'' and ñnot on the things here on earth.'' After all, God put us here and made us creatures of the earth.
1. We are to acquaint ourselves with ñthings that are in heaven.''
2. The ñthings here on earth'' are part of GodÍs creation. We have no choice but to focus most of our attention on them, if by ñthings here on earth'' we mean housing, food and clothing, transportation, and the like. We all know people who work long, demanding hours to provide a happy life for themselves and their loved ones, and there is no sin in that. But these things are to be won by the rules of life set down by the standards of the ñthings that are in heaven.'' That is, we are to win our daily needs with integrity and concern for other people.
3. If itÍs true that most of our energy and effort must be devoted to work and the acquisition of the basics of life, itÍs also true that there must be time for, and energy devoted to, our worship and our prayer life. The healthy-minded Christian is the one who can creatively balance this life on this earth with all of its earthly requirements and challenges with the ñthings that are in heaven.'' One must never forget that for all the wonderful aspects of life upon this earth, ñYour real life is Christ.''
Title: ñYou Only Live Twice''
Text: John 20:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:8-11
Theme: I try not to place all the Easter emphasis on life after death. While that does, indeed, lie at the heart of the Easter promise, our young congregants have many years ahead in this life (we pray), and they need also to hear the promise of the SpiritÍs presence here and now. I have used portions of the Gospel and coupled it with PaulÍs observation to the Corinthians that the grace of God has worked through him with the intent to affirm that the same can be true for you and me.
However, the promise of life beyond death is intrinsic to our faith and must be emphasized. We who have spent some years (I mean you and me and our brother and sister preachers) are aware of the controversy over the issue of resurrection versus immortality. In a once classic treatment of this issue, Oscar Cullman, in Immortality of the Soul or Resurrection of the Dead? made a strong case for the fact that the New Testament clearly rejects the idea of inherent immortality. I have included a quote in this regard under ñIllustrations.'' He quarrels with Karl Barth also over the matter of timing, as to whether the changes from physical to spiritual existence occur at the time of oneÍs death (Barth), or at some ultimate End Time (Cullman).
An interesting variant point of view is contained in Leslie WeatherheadÍs The Manner of the Resurrection, in which he suggests that in JesusÍ case, it may be that the molecules which make up all matter including the human body may be reduced to their base element, invisible to the eye, then restored once more to their original relationship, that is, to their bodily form. I will also include a quote from that book, but suggest we not debate issues such as this before our congregations. Nevertheless, they are issues the good preacher must think about and decide upon.
For next Sunday, I would first affirm the promise of new life in Christ which begins immediately. Dr. Philip Watson used the analogy of the World War II battle of El-Alamein which the Allies won. Prior to that battle, observers of the human scene were fairly certain the Nazis would win the war. But after the Allied victory at Alamein, it became apparent that the Allies would eventually win. Not right away. There would be battles to fight, wounds to be suffered. But the final outcome was thereby determined. So with the arrival of Jesus. No longer would evil and death prevail at the last. There would be battles to fight, wounds to be suffered. But the final outcome would be love and life.
1. When we accept Jesus as Lord, we enroll in his service. We thus begin to experience his presence and his power.
2. There is still work to be done, losses to be suffered. The difference is the presence of one who enables and empowers.
3. As faithful followers, we have marching orders, as it were, which require us to demonstrate a kind of loyalty which calls forth integrity, kindness, and love. If we persevere in these, our shortcomings will be forgiven.
4. The last battle is life against death. That battle has been won as Christ has overcome ñthe last enemy.''
(Regarding the Gospel of Mark lesson, I would use essentially the same outline as for John. I believe this is the best possible outline for Easter because it simply and forthrightly affirms the fundamental promise of the Gospels.)
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
I recently watched a movie of the life of Peter Marshall. That movie influenced me in my early decision to become a minister. In it, we are reminded of the time Dr. Marshall was to speak at the commencement ceremonies at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. It was Sunday, December 7, 1941, and Marshall had just heard the news of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As he stepped to the pulpit, he realized he was looking out upon a gathering of men who would soon suffer heavy casualties in battle. The men were hushed, expectant. Setting aside his planned remarks, Peter Marshall preached a splendid sermon titled ñGo Down, Death.'' In it, he told of a small boy who was terminally ill. An only child, the boyÍs parents were devastated. As the boy lay in his bed, his mother would read to him. One night toward the end, she was reading a story about King Arthur, of gallant knights in battle, of clashing swords, of rearing horses, and falling men. And the little fellow looked up at his mother and asked: ñMother, what is it like to die?''
Emotionally shattered, unable to respond, Mom said she must attend to something in the kitchen and would return. There, struggling with her tears, she prayed for God to guide her now, in this most important moment. Then she returned to her sonÍs bedside. She explained like this. ñDear, you know how sometimes you would come home after playing outside all day? Remember how tired you would be, and how right after dinner, you would run upstairs and climb up on Mom and DadÍs bed, and soon youÍd fall asleep? And remember how you would awaken the next morning in your own room? Do you know how you got there? Your daddy would come in here, while you were asleep. He would pick you up in his strong arms, he would kiss your little cheek, and he would carry you into your own room and put you gently to bed. And so, you would awaken the next morning with the sunlight streaming through your windows, ready for a new day. That, Kenneth, is what it will be like to die.'' A few weeks later, a loving Father carried Kenneth home.
____________
ñWe have dreamed dreams beyond our comprehension.
Visions too beautiful to be untrue.
We have seen mysteries that yield no clue,
We have sought our goals on ways that have no ending.
We have seen loveliness that shall not pass.
We have beheld immortal destinies.
Aye, we whose flesh shall perish as the grass,
Have flung the passion of the heart that dies,
Into the hope of everlasting life.''
____________
After the battle of Waterloo, a message was telegraphed to the anxious people of Great Britain, whose future hung in the balance. At last the message was received. It read: ñWellington defeated.'' The people were shocked, despairing. But the fog over the channel had interrupted that signal. Soon, a correction was received. This time it read: ñWellington defeated Napoleon.''
____________
ñIf one recognizes that death and eternal life in the New Testament are always bound up with the Christ-event, then it becomes clear that for the first Christians the soul is not intrinsically immortal, but rather became so only through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and through faith in him. It also becomes clear that death is not intrinsically the Friend, but rather that its ïsting,Í its power, is taken away only through the victory of Jesus over it in his death. And lastly, it becomes clear that the resurrection already accomplished is not the state of fulfillment, for that remains in the future until the body is also resurrected, which will not occur until ïthe last day.Í ''
„ Oscar Cullman
____________
ñWill you imagine, for a moment, that I am holding in my hand a lump of wax? On a cold day it is hard. On a warm day it is so malleable that I can mold it to any form I desire. If I increase the heat, I can make it first a liquid, then a gas. What have I done to it by heating it? I have increased the speed of the molecules which compose it. The nature of matter is now regarded as being a form of energy, and whether matter is solid, liquid, or gas depends on the speed of the molecules which make it up.
ñCould the Spirit of Christ act upon his body in such a way as to alter the molecular speed and make the body take gaseous form in an unusually short time? I donÍt know. But it is conceivable.
ñImagine „ what is not unknown to the physicist „ fluctuations in energy so that one or more molecules acquire greater energy than the rest. If molecules at the surface of the body acquired extra energy, they could escape from the body completely. A doctor of science of London University who has specialized in physics tells me that it is conceivable that a body could evaporate molecule by molecule. If this happened, it is hard to suppose that the molecules could reassemble, and that they may never have done so, but there may be a clue there which helps us as we try to understand the empty tomb.''
„ Leslie Weatherhead
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (C); Psalm 118:14-29 (E) „ ñO give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.''
Psalm 117 (RC) „ ñPraise The Lord, all you nations.''
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, what words can we find to express the joy, the sheer indescribable joy, of Easter when we again see the risen Christ in our mindÍs eye and begin to understand the profound promise which he brings? Oh, praise the Lord, praise the Lord.
Lesson 1: Acts 10:34-43 (C, RC, E)
Peter preaches to the people that everyone, no matter their nationality, no matter their ethnic origin, everyone who fears (loves) Jesus and does what is right is acceptable to him. Peter then retells the story of JesusÍ unblemished life, of the marvelous deeds he performed, how he, Peter, and some of his friends have been witnesses to all that Jesus did in Judea and in Jerusalem. He tells how Jesus was executed, then reappeared to certain chosen people, and dined with some. Thus, the expectations of the prophets were fulfilled in Jesus the Christ, and all who believe will be forgiven.
This pretty much summarizes the Christian faith as we understand it. Most of the elements are there. The gospel is universal. Jesus is the fulfillment of prophetic preaching. His ministry was one of great deeds with no sin. He was killed by his enemies, rose from death. He made himself known as the risen One. He forgives the sins of all who believe.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (C)
Paul here affirms his unshakable belief that Jesus, having ñdied for our sins,'' was buried and then returned from death. It is clearly important to Paul that we understand that this was ñwritten in the Scriptures,'' and that several people reported having seen Jesus, most recently James and ñall the apostles.'' Finally, Paul quite bluntly states that Jesus appeared to him as well, though he was a somewhat Johnny-come-lately. Paul seems to struggle a bit between his innate humility, which leads him to define himself as ñleast of all the apostles,'' and his obvious euphoria over the fact that GodÍs grace is working through him to call others to the faith.
Had this passage been extended to include the next few verses, we would have seen that Paul believed that because Jesus was returned from death, the same will be true for all who believe in him, who accept him as Lord of their lives. Were this not true, ñwe have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe'' (v. 14). Nonetheless, this is all implied in the lesson we have here. Today we find comfort in the promise that Jesus has revealed to us that there is a life beyond this mortal life we currently live, and through him, we can expect to enter that new life.
Lesson 2: Colossians 3:1-4 (RC, E)
Paul affirms the baptismal faith. We are welcomed into new life where Christ is ñseated at the right hand of God,'' no doubt a figure of speech by which Paul meant to affirm the primacy of Jesus in the Kingdom of God. We are urged to focus lifeÍs emphasis on the right and good things of life, turning away from all the earthly concerns which divert us from what is best. If we do this, we shall be revealed along with Christ in glory.
This is certainly an idealized set of instructions. ItÍs another case of an impossible ethic set before us, not, I would think, that Paul seriously expected many of us to comply, but to remind us of the highest possible goal to which we might strive. I was once an idealist as I came into the Christian faith. I initially had it in mind that those mentors whose preaching and teaching meant so much to me were men of near-perfect character. I still love them dearly, but I soon learned they have their so-called feet of clay like the rest of humankind. I since have numbered many servants of the church among my friends, but have known very few such saints as Paul described. In truth, I have found comfort in this, because of what I know of myself. God builds with broken bricks. The Church has long survived and flourished in the care of sinful men and women. If therein lies our sin, therein too lies our hope.
Gospel: John 20:1-18 (C); John 20:1-9 (RC)
This version of Easter morn is excitingly detailed in describing the initial events around the tomb. Peter and another disciple, having heard the news that the tomb has been found empty, dash there to see the cloths with which the body was, by tradition, bound lying neatly on the ground. The first portion of the passage concludes rather curiously by noting that the disciples then returned to their homes.
Mary Magdalene, whose life story must have been remarkable, is there. Grieving, she encounters two figures dressed in white whom she takes to be angels. Their queries also seem strange. ñWoman, why are you weeping?'' Strange, since the answer must have been obvious. ñWhom are you looking for?'' Again. One doesnÍt ordinarily wander into a tomb looking for just anyone. Either these angels had their minds on other things or, more likely, thereÍs a lot to this story that wasnÍt recorded. In any event, another figure appears whom Mary presumes to be the gardener. It is, in fact, Jesus, and when she hears his voice she recognizes him. Jesus quickly warns her not to delay him as he has not yet gone to his destination. She is to inform the disciples that she has seen Jesus and been told that he would soon be ascending to the Father.
This passage has the ring of truth, partly because of the unanswered questions it poses. Why did the disciples head for home, rather than getting together to celebrate? Why did the angels ask such obvious questions? Were they, in fact, angels? Many mainline Protestant churches are not enthusiastic believers in the idea of angels at all. Why didnÍt Mary recognize Jesus? There may be simple answers to these questions, but the fact that John was not concerned for such matters does, in fact, make him believable.
Gospel: Mark 16:1-8 (C, E)
Even allowing for the fact that in JesusÍ day people didnÍt have a scientific outlook which argues against the idea of life after death, itÍs little wonder these women were terrified at what they encountered when they went to anoint the body of their good friend. Who that ñyoung man'' might have been who wore the white robe we canÍt know, but you have to be amused at his comforting ñdonÍt be alarmed'' when the women realized that someone had rolled away the large stone which would ordinarily seal a tomb, and that JesusÍ body was missing. ñDonÍt be alarmed,'' indeed. ñSo they went out and ran from the tomb, distressed and terrified.'' For a while they remained silent ñbecause they were afraid.''
This is a terribly important passage for a number of reasons. Appearing in Mark, the earliest of the Gospels, it is almost surely a firsthand report from Peter whom we believe to have either known Mark, or at least have had many mutual friends. Clearly, it bears witness to the physical return of Jesus, and without that witness, itÍs doubtful that there could ever have been a Christian faith. Our entire theology of God rests on the affirmation of JesusÍ physical return for a brief time, and then his return in a spiritual form to Paul.
In preaching on this passage, I would emphasize that while this serves as the assurance of life after death, it also assures us of a beginning of new life here and now. In spiritual form, Jesus comes to each of us as loved ones. Of course we have little human-type minds, so we have to try to simplify things with our Trinitarian formula. (Is it Jesus, or is it the Holy Spirit, or is it God „ or are those all different ways of referring to one reality which is too great for us?)
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñNew Life Before You''
Text: Acts 10:34-43
Theme: Peter himself, as spokesman of this passage, personifies the promise of which he speaks. Recall that Peter was very recently a frightened man in the courtyard as Jesus was being interrogated. When accused of being a henchman of Jesus, Peter loudly denounced Jesus. Tradition tells that as Peter cried out his final denunciation, he looked up and saw Jesus standing on a balcony above his head, looking down at the man whose words he had just heard. It is reported that Peter then dashed into the darkness, overwhelmed with shame.
Now, days later, we find Peter unapologetically declaring the heart of our faith. Emerson once said something like this: ñWhat you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.'' But we soon learned that Peter was indeed a changed man. He had accepted forgiveness, knew now what his life was about, would in due time suffer the death from which he had run. So Peter himself verifies the truth of what he says.
1. Faith is universal. It is for any person who loves Jesus. The Bible uses the word ñfear,'' but that is an ancient usage for the qualities of admiration, devotion, and love. (You canÍt love someone if youÍre afraid of that person.)
2. Faith brings peace. It was ñthe Good News of peace through Jesus Christ ...'' of which Peter spoke. It seems that ñpeace'' is not the absence of stress or conflict. Peter was to face plenty of that. Peace of mind in the biblical sense is assurance, the realization that in the end, nothing can overcome us.
3. Faith brings forgiveness. This, through ñthe power of his name.'' Peter is the example. How he was transformed from a frightened fisherman to a heroic preacher of a message which could lead to oneÍs imprisonment and death (as it did for Peter, and Paul), because his sins were forgiven. That doesnÍt mean a divine ñThatÍs okay, Peter, I forgive you.'' ItÍs much more powerful. It means God says, ñPeter, you are a new man now. You are set free from your confining little fears and temptations. A whole new life I now open before you.'' ThatÍs the message „ for Peter, and for us.
Title: ñThe Most Important Thing of All''
Text: Colossians 3:1-4
Theme: Yes, this is an impossible ethic. Some of my clergy friends, some whom I admire very much, love such things as nice cars, vacations at the beach, good restaurants. I once sat as a panelist on a television show, along with a well-known clergyman of a very conservative religious group. He made impressive points about the need to serve Jesus. I, admittedly somewhat self-righteously, remarked how easy it was to become enamored of the things of the world, and used the example of expensive shoes and new Cadillacs. As he and I walked out to the parking lot, I happened to notice he was wearing very expensive alligator shoes. He seemed to wait until I was some distance ahead before going to his car, but I looked back and saw it was a new Cadillac. True.
I wouldnÍt quarrel with that gentlemanÍs right to wear what he wants and drive what he wants. I only submit that the most sincere among us will be doing well if we at least aspire to set our hearts ñon the things that are in heaven,'' and ñnot on the things here on earth.'' After all, God put us here and made us creatures of the earth.
1. We are to acquaint ourselves with ñthings that are in heaven.''
2. The ñthings here on earth'' are part of GodÍs creation. We have no choice but to focus most of our attention on them, if by ñthings here on earth'' we mean housing, food and clothing, transportation, and the like. We all know people who work long, demanding hours to provide a happy life for themselves and their loved ones, and there is no sin in that. But these things are to be won by the rules of life set down by the standards of the ñthings that are in heaven.'' That is, we are to win our daily needs with integrity and concern for other people.
3. If itÍs true that most of our energy and effort must be devoted to work and the acquisition of the basics of life, itÍs also true that there must be time for, and energy devoted to, our worship and our prayer life. The healthy-minded Christian is the one who can creatively balance this life on this earth with all of its earthly requirements and challenges with the ñthings that are in heaven.'' One must never forget that for all the wonderful aspects of life upon this earth, ñYour real life is Christ.''
Title: ñYou Only Live Twice''
Text: John 20:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:8-11
Theme: I try not to place all the Easter emphasis on life after death. While that does, indeed, lie at the heart of the Easter promise, our young congregants have many years ahead in this life (we pray), and they need also to hear the promise of the SpiritÍs presence here and now. I have used portions of the Gospel and coupled it with PaulÍs observation to the Corinthians that the grace of God has worked through him with the intent to affirm that the same can be true for you and me.
However, the promise of life beyond death is intrinsic to our faith and must be emphasized. We who have spent some years (I mean you and me and our brother and sister preachers) are aware of the controversy over the issue of resurrection versus immortality. In a once classic treatment of this issue, Oscar Cullman, in Immortality of the Soul or Resurrection of the Dead? made a strong case for the fact that the New Testament clearly rejects the idea of inherent immortality. I have included a quote in this regard under ñIllustrations.'' He quarrels with Karl Barth also over the matter of timing, as to whether the changes from physical to spiritual existence occur at the time of oneÍs death (Barth), or at some ultimate End Time (Cullman).
An interesting variant point of view is contained in Leslie WeatherheadÍs The Manner of the Resurrection, in which he suggests that in JesusÍ case, it may be that the molecules which make up all matter including the human body may be reduced to their base element, invisible to the eye, then restored once more to their original relationship, that is, to their bodily form. I will also include a quote from that book, but suggest we not debate issues such as this before our congregations. Nevertheless, they are issues the good preacher must think about and decide upon.
For next Sunday, I would first affirm the promise of new life in Christ which begins immediately. Dr. Philip Watson used the analogy of the World War II battle of El-Alamein which the Allies won. Prior to that battle, observers of the human scene were fairly certain the Nazis would win the war. But after the Allied victory at Alamein, it became apparent that the Allies would eventually win. Not right away. There would be battles to fight, wounds to be suffered. But the final outcome was thereby determined. So with the arrival of Jesus. No longer would evil and death prevail at the last. There would be battles to fight, wounds to be suffered. But the final outcome would be love and life.
1. When we accept Jesus as Lord, we enroll in his service. We thus begin to experience his presence and his power.
2. There is still work to be done, losses to be suffered. The difference is the presence of one who enables and empowers.
3. As faithful followers, we have marching orders, as it were, which require us to demonstrate a kind of loyalty which calls forth integrity, kindness, and love. If we persevere in these, our shortcomings will be forgiven.
4. The last battle is life against death. That battle has been won as Christ has overcome ñthe last enemy.''
(Regarding the Gospel of Mark lesson, I would use essentially the same outline as for John. I believe this is the best possible outline for Easter because it simply and forthrightly affirms the fundamental promise of the Gospels.)
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
I recently watched a movie of the life of Peter Marshall. That movie influenced me in my early decision to become a minister. In it, we are reminded of the time Dr. Marshall was to speak at the commencement ceremonies at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. It was Sunday, December 7, 1941, and Marshall had just heard the news of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As he stepped to the pulpit, he realized he was looking out upon a gathering of men who would soon suffer heavy casualties in battle. The men were hushed, expectant. Setting aside his planned remarks, Peter Marshall preached a splendid sermon titled ñGo Down, Death.'' In it, he told of a small boy who was terminally ill. An only child, the boyÍs parents were devastated. As the boy lay in his bed, his mother would read to him. One night toward the end, she was reading a story about King Arthur, of gallant knights in battle, of clashing swords, of rearing horses, and falling men. And the little fellow looked up at his mother and asked: ñMother, what is it like to die?''
Emotionally shattered, unable to respond, Mom said she must attend to something in the kitchen and would return. There, struggling with her tears, she prayed for God to guide her now, in this most important moment. Then she returned to her sonÍs bedside. She explained like this. ñDear, you know how sometimes you would come home after playing outside all day? Remember how tired you would be, and how right after dinner, you would run upstairs and climb up on Mom and DadÍs bed, and soon youÍd fall asleep? And remember how you would awaken the next morning in your own room? Do you know how you got there? Your daddy would come in here, while you were asleep. He would pick you up in his strong arms, he would kiss your little cheek, and he would carry you into your own room and put you gently to bed. And so, you would awaken the next morning with the sunlight streaming through your windows, ready for a new day. That, Kenneth, is what it will be like to die.'' A few weeks later, a loving Father carried Kenneth home.
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ñWe have dreamed dreams beyond our comprehension.
Visions too beautiful to be untrue.
We have seen mysteries that yield no clue,
We have sought our goals on ways that have no ending.
We have seen loveliness that shall not pass.
We have beheld immortal destinies.
Aye, we whose flesh shall perish as the grass,
Have flung the passion of the heart that dies,
Into the hope of everlasting life.''
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After the battle of Waterloo, a message was telegraphed to the anxious people of Great Britain, whose future hung in the balance. At last the message was received. It read: ñWellington defeated.'' The people were shocked, despairing. But the fog over the channel had interrupted that signal. Soon, a correction was received. This time it read: ñWellington defeated Napoleon.''
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ñIf one recognizes that death and eternal life in the New Testament are always bound up with the Christ-event, then it becomes clear that for the first Christians the soul is not intrinsically immortal, but rather became so only through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and through faith in him. It also becomes clear that death is not intrinsically the Friend, but rather that its ïsting,Í its power, is taken away only through the victory of Jesus over it in his death. And lastly, it becomes clear that the resurrection already accomplished is not the state of fulfillment, for that remains in the future until the body is also resurrected, which will not occur until ïthe last day.Í ''
„ Oscar Cullman
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ñWill you imagine, for a moment, that I am holding in my hand a lump of wax? On a cold day it is hard. On a warm day it is so malleable that I can mold it to any form I desire. If I increase the heat, I can make it first a liquid, then a gas. What have I done to it by heating it? I have increased the speed of the molecules which compose it. The nature of matter is now regarded as being a form of energy, and whether matter is solid, liquid, or gas depends on the speed of the molecules which make it up.
ñCould the Spirit of Christ act upon his body in such a way as to alter the molecular speed and make the body take gaseous form in an unusually short time? I donÍt know. But it is conceivable.
ñImagine „ what is not unknown to the physicist „ fluctuations in energy so that one or more molecules acquire greater energy than the rest. If molecules at the surface of the body acquired extra energy, they could escape from the body completely. A doctor of science of London University who has specialized in physics tells me that it is conceivable that a body could evaporate molecule by molecule. If this happened, it is hard to suppose that the molecules could reassemble, and that they may never have done so, but there may be a clue there which helps us as we try to understand the empty tomb.''
„ Leslie Weatherhead
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Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (C); Psalm 118:14-29 (E) „ ñO give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.''
Psalm 117 (RC) „ ñPraise The Lord, all you nations.''
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, what words can we find to express the joy, the sheer indescribable joy, of Easter when we again see the risen Christ in our mindÍs eye and begin to understand the profound promise which he brings? Oh, praise the Lord, praise the Lord.
