“Christ Is Risen”

April 8, 2012

Psalm 118: 14-24; Mark 16:1-8

Easter is the high point of the Christian year. Its simple message is that there is One, our Lord Jesus the Christ, who has overcome the world… who has overcome death.

Biblical scholar and writer Douglas Hare reminds us that, “This is a story about God, a God who is powerful enough to raise Jesus up, and in that way, to have something more to say about his death after all that has happened.”

The psalmist writer in Psalm 118 informs us about this being a day in which “our prayers are answered, “the stone… rejected, has become the cornerstone.” This (day) is the Lord’s doing… a day that the Lord has made… a day to rejoice and be glad.”

Jesus says, “I have overcome the world...” This world we live in, this world so full of hope, so full of joy, decked out in spring flowers – and this world of darkness, of sorrow, wickedness and death. Jesus says, I have overcome the world - not some day--the word from the cross speaks “it is finished” done--note the fact, build on it adjust to it--our world has been overcome by the Power of God.  

Christ has risen. Christ overcomes the realities of this world. Christ overcomes death. Christ wins! That is the message of Easter, today – and each and every day. God’s final word is not death and despair but resurrection and new life.

And yet, sometimes it just doesn’t feel like we’ve been ‘released’ or freed from the darkness that can overwhelm. Our world is not overcome. Our troubles and misfortunes are, in fact, alive and well. Our fears are real. We are torn between fearing death, and life as well. It’s then we must remember Easter’s message – God’s great love and power at work for us.

The apostle Paul said, “we are hard pressed on every side but not crushed, we are perplexed but not driven to despair, we are persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed.” He then went on to say, “we are always carrying in our bodies the dying of Jesus that the life of Jesus might be made manifest--something of a candle that never expires--in this world tribulation yes--be of good cheer because One has overcome. Christ is risen indeed!”

Fred Craddock suggests that "For Mark, the resurrection served the cross; Easter did not eradicate but vindicated Good Friday." In all of our Easter celebration and our Alleluias, in our flowers and white cloths, we are never to forget Good Friday, and an "executed God." “The heart of the Gospel of Mark,” Craddock says, “is the way of the cross.”

The good news for us is that Easter comes to overcome the world where we are warped by our fears. Unexpectedly we hear the words “be of good cheer, I have overcome” and we somehow know. And for us, this Easter faith allows a new conversation.

One bright morning some women learned in a flash of light that they could live in a terrible world as hopeful joyful people. Despite the cruelty of that world they could live with peace, joy and hope. On Friday, they had just witnessed brutality that was unusual even in an evil and cruel empire. Their hearts were broken, their minds confused, their lives suddenly without the direction. And yet they sensed Jesus with them.

To them, the fact simply was that Christ is risen! 

Yet, the empty tomb presented the women with "the challenge still before them"! If the dream is in fact not dead, if the reign of God is at hand, then there is work to be done and risks to be taken, dangers to be faced. No wonder they ran! Perhaps we would have as well.

For the women, the disciples, Mark's community, and for us today, the call is to Galilee and a new beginning, setting out on the way again, following Jesus faithfully, aware of his resurrection yet mindful of his suffering and death. It’s a story we must finish for ourselves, by setting out on the way of discipleship, to follow Jesus, and to trust God.

Bill Cotton has shared a couple thoughts about the significance of Easter that would help us all. He says: 1) Life after birth and before death is equally as important as life after death. 2) Do not doubt the power of resurrection faith. Do not give up on anyone. Don’t say the world is so messed up that it can’t get better. Don’t ever say you can’t change because that is a lie.

We are to live the kingdom life. 19^th century American poet Emily Dickinson wrote: “To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.” Concerning living life to the fullest, English novelist and contemporary, George Eliot wrote, “There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them.” Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Easter calls us to such a life.

Easter announces Christ has overcome the world, both yours and mine. And the power of regeneration and revival is alive among us. In the resurrection, Christ has overcome the fears that keep people apart from one another, and from God. The resurrection is real; as is the power to overcome and our ability to make a difference.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!