During our Midweek Lenten services this year, we have listened to the preaching of the prophet Amos. In his day, Amos preached against the decadence, the sin, and the covenant which Israel had broken with the Lord their God. He called them to repentance, revealing that Lord has roared from Zion (Amos 1:2). Amos tells Israel to turn and be healed from your sin. Come back to the Lord who loves you and live under His grace.
This month, we finish walking this path with Amos. We are reminded that the Lord roared from Zion on Good Friday as darkness falls and the Son of God died on the cross. The Lord roared from Zion again, not in defeat, but a roar of eternal victory. Life that never ends exploded from the tomb of Jesus on Easter. Jesus lives! See it is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who conquers sin, death, and devil for you and for me. The Lion Roars and Life is the result.
The Lion has roared from Zion calling us to His Word and Sacraments. He bids us rise from the table and bring others to the celebration feast. We have much to share with our community that needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have been baptized to be Salt and Light. You have been rescued to be Fishers of Men. We point not to ourselves, but to the Lion who is also the Lamb. Only He can save, for He is risen from the dead.
Let me share with you some words from the famous Easter sermon of St. John Chrysostom from 400 AD: O death, where is thy sting? O Hell, where is thy victory? Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated! Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down! Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is Risen, and life is liberated! Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead; for Christ having risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!
A blessed April and Easter to you and your family!
Come to Holy Cross – Jesus is here – for you!
Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Jeffrey Stone
Proverbs 3 Verses 5 to 6. [5] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
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