The Fifth Sunday of Easter (Ps) May 6th

Psalm 119:49-64

      49       Remember your word to your servant,

      in which you have made me hope.

            50       This is my comfort in my affliction,

      that your promise gives me life.

            51       The insolent utterly deride me,

      but I do not turn away from your law.

            52       When I think of your rules from of old,

      I take comfort, O LORD.

            53       Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,

      who forsake your law.

            54       Your statutes have been my songs

      in the house of my sojourning.

            55       I remember your name in the night, O LORD,

      and keep your law.

            56       This blessing has fallen to me,

      that I have kept your precepts.

            57       The LORD is my portion;

      I promise to keep your words.

            58       I entreat your favor with all my heart;

      be gracious to me according to your promise.

            59       When I think on my ways,

      I turn my feet to your testimonies;

            60       I hasten and do not delay

      to keep your commandments.

            61       Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,

      I do not forget your law.

            62       At midnight I rise to praise you,

      because of your righteous rules.

            63       I am a companion of all who fear you,

      of those who keep your precepts.

            64       The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love;

      teach me your statutes!

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 119:49–64). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Psalmist repeatedly tells us that he meditates on the Law of the Lord night and day.  But verse 61 seems to scream to me this day.  When there are weeds on every side, don't forget the Law of the Lord.  The Law of the LORD is spoken in truth and purity.  The Law of the LORD is our teacher.  We need to keep his Law ever before our eyes.

We should ask God to always remind us of his Will for our lives.  But with people telling us what is right and what is wrong on every side, what do we do?  How do we make sure we know what is right and what is wrong?  How do we distinguish between living well together and what is truly right?  Are there things society accepts and yet God teaches us is wrong?

Even though we live in a world of sin, there is still one truth.  There is still only one true Law.  God teaches his people his truth.  God reveals his truth through his Son Jesus Christ.  God reveals his will through Christ's sacrifice.  God redeems his people from their sins.  But he sill holds the Law before our eyes.

"Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law."  Keep his truth before your eyes.  The Church stands as wheat in the midst of weeds.  There are weeds on all sides.  The Wheat needs to remain strong.  The Wheat is strengthened through the Word of God.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter (GA)

Matthew 27:51-66

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 27:51–66). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I love how fraudulent the chief priests and Pharisees actually are.  They go to Pilate and recount that Jesus said, "After three days I will rise."  Naturally they assume there will be some kind of fraud by his disciples.  But the phrase always strikes me, "and the last fraud will be worse than the first."

But we know the rest of the story.  We know that Jesus actually did rise from the Dead.  We know that the soldiers and the chief priests actually commit the fraud.  They commit the great fraud by telling this exact lie to the people.  They have the soldiers say, "his disciples sole the body in the night."

Even then the Church faced fraud.  The Church continues to face frauds but no fraud greater than the denial of the resurrection.  The Church will continue to face frauds and false teachings.  But even in this text there are those who stand up for the greater truth.  During the earthquake, many saints are raised from death to life.  They come into the city on Sunday and proclaim the Resurrection of the dead.

Who is telling the truth?  Are the ones who come back from the dead telling the truth?  Or are the soldiers who were paid to lie telling the truth?  Actually, the Soldiers told the truth to the Chief Priests and Pharisees.  But who tells us the truth?

We find the truth in the Holy Scriptures.  We find the truth in Jesus Christ.  He is the one who died for the forgiveness of our sins.  He is the won who rose from the dead as the first fruits of our own resurrection.  Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter (OTA)

Joel 3:1-16

3  “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, 3 and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it.

4 “What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you paying me back for something? If you are paying me back, I will return your payment on your own head swiftly and speedily. 5 For you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my rich treasures into your temples. 6 You have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks in order to remove them far from their own border. 7 Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your own head. 8 I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a nation far away, for the LORD has spoken.”

            9       Proclaim this among the nations:

                  Consecrate for war;

      stir up the mighty men.

                  Let all the men of war draw near;

      let them come up.

            10       Beat your plowshares into swords,

      and your pruning hooks into spears;

      let the weak say, “I am a warrior.”

            11       Hasten and come,

      all you surrounding nations,

      and gather yourselves there.

                  Bring down your warriors, O LORD.

            12       Let the nations stir themselves up

      and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

                  for there I will sit to judge

      all the surrounding nations.

            13       Put in the sickle,

      for the harvest is ripe.

                  Go in, tread,

      for the winepress is full.

                  The vats overflow,

      for their evil is great.

            14       Multitudes, multitudes,

      in the valley of decision!

                  For the day of the LORD is near

      in the valley of decision.

            15       The sun and the moon are darkened,

      and the stars withdraw their shining.

            16       The LORD roars from Zion,

      and utters his voice from Jerusalem,

      and the heavens and the earth quake.

                  But the LORD is a refuge to his people,

      a stronghold to the people of Israel.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Joe 3:1–16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The Day of the LORD is at hand.  The Day of the LORD comes with fierce strength.  The Moon will be darkened and the light will with draw.  The LORD has come to Zion with power and strength.  But the LORD will call his people from the Nations.  The LORD will redeem his people from their sins.

Once people would come to the LORD's mountain and find peace.  But now the great warriors come to Mt Zion.  They come with their harvesting tools turned into weapons of War.  The LORD God will come and fight against the wicked.  The LORD fights against those who would corrupt his people.

Jesus Christ came to teach his people.  He came to instruct them of truth.  He came to lead people in way so that they would be ready to fight.  But he sends them not into battle but into a harvest field.  The Lord is read to harvest his people.  He is ready to reap the harvest from his wheat.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter (NT)

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 14:26–40). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I love this practice of orderly worship.  How often do we have multiple people get up and speak to the truth or errors of what someone else has said?  St Paul tells the people of Corinth to perform worship in an orderly fashion. 

In describing this fashion: one person speaks concerning some passage of scripture.  Then another gets up and speaks for or against or expanding upon what the first said.  If someone else has something to say, the first sits down and listens as well.  This is done to encourage the brothers.

But there are a couple of things you need to make sure you keep straight.  Women are not supposed to get up in the assembly and speak.  Likewise, those who do get up and speak need to make sure their testimony agrees with the Apostles testimony.  These are the two basic rules for orderly worship.

This passage reminds us that St Paul took seriously the issue of wheat grow up amongst weeds.  St Paul reminds us that we need to not only test what he says, but also test what each other says.  There will be many false teachers and false prophets in our midst.  Therefore, we need to read scriptures repeatedly and study to make sure what we say is true.

Christ has died.  Christ has risen.  Christ will come again.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter (NTA)

2 Peter 2:1-22

1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, 13 suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. 14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 15 Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 16 but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. 18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (2 Pe 2:1–22). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus tells His disciples a parable about Wheat and Weeds.  God lets the Wheat grow up with the weeds, so that he does not destroy the weeds.  But be certain that when the harvest comes, he will deal with the weeds.  St Peter explains that there will be many False prophets and false teachers.

These false teachers and false prophets will grow up along side the wheat.  But St Peter tells us just like the Angels that have fallen and been chained in Hell these false teachers will face judgment.  St Peter recalls the sins of the Earth before Noah.  He also points to Sodom and Gomorrah.

God allows these people to live on earth.  He gives us difficulty and suffering in order to call us to repentance.  But everybody will finally have their day in court.  All these teachers and the saints of God will stand up on Judgment Day.  The False Teachers will point to their own works and have to defend themselves for their sins.  But as for the Saints we look to our Judge and to the one who stands in our place.

Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of sins.  Jesus has taken on this penalty which the fallen angels face and those swept away in the flood along with those destroyed in Sodom.  Jesus pays this penalty for us.  He does this so we can have life.  But watch out for weeds and the false prophets standing next to the apostles and standing next to true Christians today.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter (OT)

Isaiah 44:6-11

      6       Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel

      and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:

                  “I am the first and I am the last;

      besides me there is no god.

            7       Who is like me? Let him proclaim it.

      Let him declare and set it before me,

                  since I appointed an ancient people.

      Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.

            8       Fear not, nor be afraid;

      have I not told you from of old and declared it?

      And you are my witnesses!

                  Is there a God besides me?

      There is no Rock; I know not any.”

9 All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame. 10 Who fashions a god or casts an idol that is profitable for nothing? 11 Behold, all his companions shall be put to shame, and the craftsmen are only human. Let them all assemble, let them stand forth. They shall be terrified; they shall be put to shame together.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Is 44:6–11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Proclaim to the nations who is like the LORD.  Remember what he has declared to his people.  Remember what he told to your Fathers.  Remember that there is no God Like the LORD.  The LORD alone is true redeemer.  The LORD alone will save.

Jesus Christ has made us his witnesses.  The Word of God has given us a true witness.  Jesus Christ has given us a truth to spread.  There are true witnesses of what Jesus Christ did.  These eye witnesses have written these things in letters and books.  They have done this so that you might also become his witnesses.  So that you might also believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior.

God recounts for his people the need to witness to this truth.  What temple can speak?  What piece of stone can save?  What image or animal can give life?  Who is like the LORD?  Jesus Christ is a temple that speaks.  Christ is the corner stone who will save.  Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Declare to the nations, who is Like Jesus Christ?  But we are his witnesses.  We know that Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of your sins.  Jesus Christ has become the cornerstone on which all of us may rest.  He is our Salvation.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter (CL)

Matthew 13:24-43

24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”

31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:

                  “I will open my mouth in parables;

      I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”

36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 13:24–43). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Why does Jesus have to speak in so many parables?  Jesus tells the people about a woman with leaven in her flour.  Jesus uses Leaven in other places to refer to false teaching.  But here it resembles the Kingdom of Heaven.

Just like in the case of the Mustard seed which grows up into a great plant.  Similarly, False Teaching can take a foot hold in a community and become a major teaching of heresy.  The Kingdom of Heaven is just like a woman who took some flour and put a little leaven in it.  The entire flour becomes leavened.

This may be confusing to us.  But the Kingdom of Heaven will spread the truth.  This truth will spread to all corners of the earth.  All people will be given the message of Salvation.  The Leaven of Christ's Truth will set people free.  Christ has given people hope for eternal life.  Christ died for the forgiveness of sins.  He offers this gift to others.  Likewise, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who went out and planted good seed in the field.  But weeds grew up among them.  In the end the weeds were cast into the fire but the good crop was harvested.  So the leaven hidden in the three measures of flour leavens the it all.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter (NTA) April 29th

1 Peter 2:13-25

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Pe 2:13–25). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd stood before his sheers and was silent.  He had not committed any sin, yet he was reviled and persecuted.  He still stood silently before his accusers.  Christ Jesus knew he would have to suffer for the sins of his people.  He knew he was going to lay down his life for the sheep.  He stood before the judge and said nothing.

Jesus bore our sins upon the tree.  He was cursed by God.  He will come again to gather his sheep that have went astray.  He will judge between the sheep and the goats.  He is our true Shepherd.  He is the Overseer of our souls.  He is the one who gives life and salvation, but condemns those who do not believe in his name.

Christ our Lord has looked at the people of the earth.  He has had pity on them.  He has seen they are like sheep without a shepherd.  They each seem to wander off in their own direction.  They defile themselves with wickedness.  We have all gone astray.  We are looking for our shepherd to come and call us out darkness.

Jesus our Redeemer has given us life.  He has ransomed our souls from death.  Christ has made us alive through his sacrifice on the cross.  He is our Good Shepherd who will lead us to salvation.  He is the true Overseer of our souls.  He gives us Eternal Life.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter (OTA)

Ezekiel 34:11-16

11 “For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Eze 34:11–16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

 The LORD God will shepherd his people.  He will gather them from all over the world.  He will make them to be his people.  He will lead them to good pasture land.  The people of God will know who he is. The Good Shepherd will bring back his people from the hills to which they have been scattered.

Just as Jesus told his disciples the Shepherd will leave the 99 in order to search out the one.  God goes to seek and save the lost.  Similarly, Jesus tells his disciples when the shepherd is struck down, the sheep will scatter.  So the sheep have been scattered.  They are found in the far reaches of the earth.  Lost sheep are found in your own neighborhood, and in local cities.

God has sent us to call and gather his people.  We are to proclaim the Good news to these sheep.  We are to scatter the word of God among these sheep.  God has provided salvation for his people.  He has redeemed the lost of Sheep.  He calls them back to his holy mountain.  The LORD God is our Shepherd.  He will lead us to an eternal pasture land.  There he will feed us with good food.  He will not let us die.

Jesus Christ has redeemed you to be his holy Sheep.  He has given you new life through his sacrifice on the cross.  God provides you will Holy Food in his word to strengthen you in the true faith.  He has given you eternal life.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter (GA)

Matthew 26:30-35

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 26:30–35). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

 The people of God are hopefully scattered but not to a broad extent.  Jesus here speaks of the coming death of himself.  Jesus reminds his disciples there are tough days ahead.  But even as the people are scattered from the garden running in every direction.  Even as St Peter was not willing to confess the name of Christ during his trial.  God's people have been scattered around the world.

God has sent his people into the world.  Jesus Christ commanded his people to spread the Good News of his death and resurrection.  Christ as our Good Shepherd guides and cares for his people.  He encourages and strengthens his people to live their lives with great grace.  He is truly the head of our Church.

This Head or shepherd of our flock has been struck down.  He has been crucified.  He died and was buried.  But our Shepherd was not destroyed.  He destroyed death.  He won the Victory over the Grave.  Because our Shepherd was struck down we his people have been scattered.  We proclaim this good news to all the world.

Just as a shepherd is there to take care of the flock, sometimes he has to lay down his life for the sheep.  He does this and sends his sheep into the hills.  He sends them there not fleeing in fear as they did that night when St Peter did not confess his name.  But they go with great joy and gladly confess his name before other sheep and wolves.  Christ has died.  Christ is Risen.  Christ will come again.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter (Ps)

Psalm 78:53-72

      53       He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid,

      but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

            54       And he brought them to his holy land,

      to the mountain which his right hand had won.

            55       He drove out nations before them;

      he apportioned them for a possession

      and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.

            56       Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God

      and did not keep his testimonies,

            57       but turned away and acted treacherously like their fathers;

      they twisted like a deceitful bow.

            58       For they provoked him to anger with their high places;

      they moved him to jealousy with their idols.

            59       When God heard, he was full of wrath,

      and he utterly rejected Israel.

            60       He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh,

      the tent where he dwelt among mankind,

            61       and delivered his power to captivity,

      his glory to the hand of the foe.

            62       He gave his people over to the sword

      and vented his wrath on his heritage.

            63       Fire devoured their young men,

      and their young women had no marriage song.

            64       Their priests fell by the sword,

      and their widows made no lamentation.

            65       Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,

      like a strong man shouting because of wine.

            66       And he put his adversaries to rout;

      he put them to everlasting shame.

            67       He rejected the tent of Joseph;

      he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim,

            68       but he chose the tribe of Judah,

      Mount Zion, which he loves.

            69       He built his sanctuary like the high heavens,

      like the earth, which he has founded forever.

            70       He chose David his servant

      and took him from the sheepfolds;

            71       from following the nursing ewes he brought him

      to shepherd Jacob his people,

      Israel his inheritance.

            72       With upright heart he shepherded them

      and guided them with his skillful hand.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 78:53–72). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The Most High God dwelt in a tent with his people.  As they traveled from place to place, God went with them everywhere.  The people continued with God for a time.  They rebelled against their God.  God returned their wickedness with wrath and fire.  God finally chose the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion to dwell with his people in Love forever.  There on that mountain he is their shepherd and guides them.

God has dwelt among Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  God dwelt with the people he brought up out of the Land of Egypt.  All these people where farmers or herdsmen.  God's people dwelt in tents along side of him.  God's people took care of their animals and flocks.  They would know the agriculture of the land.

God brought his people together in the promised land.  People were scattered all about the world.  God called and gathered his people around the word and seed which gives them new life.  The people grow together lifting each other up.  Not taking nutrients from each other but providing nutrients or support for one another.

The Church gathers and grows together.  They remain around the word of God.  God once dwelt with his people in a tent as they traveled about the world.  God now dwells with his people through Christ himself.  Christ is presence everywhere two or three are gathered in his name.  

The Fourth Sunday of Easter (NT)

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

                  “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

            55       “O death, where is your victory?

      O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 15:50–58). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

There is no greater mystery in the world than Life itself.  People do not come back from the dead.  People are perishable, but the body raised from the dead are imperishable.  All people will fall asleep or die in the flesh, but the Kingdom of God is imperishable.  The mortal can not inherit the immortal or imperishable.

But St Paul still tells us, he is talking about a great mystery.  God has revealed many great mysteries through his Word.  This mystery is like nothing else.  This is the mystery of Life Eternal.  For most of us we express desires to live a long time, but once you have experienced long life most are ready to be rid of it.  But this is eternal life without suffering or shame.

The great mystery is Victory over death and mortality.  Jesus Christ has killed death.  He has swallowed it up in Victory.  He has defeated the great enemy.  He raises us from death to life.  He provides us with immortality.  Thus, with the certainty of the resurrection and eternal life, we can remain steadfast. This great mystery is revealed to us as a certain hope.  You have been given the Kingdom of God as your imperishable inheritance.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter (OT)

Ezekiel 17:1-10

1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, propound a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel; 3 say, Thus says the Lord GOD: A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, rich in plumage of many colors, came to Lebanon and took the top of the cedar. 4 He broke off the topmost of its young twigs and carried it to a land of trade and set it in a city of merchants. 5 Then he took of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside abundant waters. He set it like a willow twig, 6 and it sprouted and became a low spreading vine, and its branches turned toward him, and its roots remained where it stood. So it became a vine and produced branches and put out boughs.

7 “And there was another great eagle with great wings and much plumage, and behold, this vine bent its roots toward him and shot forth its branches toward him from the bed where it was planted, that he might water it. 8 It had been planted on good soil by abundant waters, that it might produce branches and bear fruit and become a noble vine.

9 “Say, Thus says the Lord GOD: Will it thrive? Will he not pull up its roots and cut off its fruit, so that it withers, so that all its fresh sprouting leaves wither? It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it from its roots. 10 Behold, it is planted; will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind strikes it—wither away on the bed where it sprouted?”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Eze 17:1–10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Ezekiel is presented with an interesting parable.  This is about a cedar that will have its top most branch broken off.  From this broken branch will sprout great branches.  This branch will produce noble vines.  God will help it to grow and thrive.

But like all parables this one does seem to have some greater meaning.  There are two great eagles.  There is a branch that grows greatly.  This branch is able to bear much fruit.  Jesus Christ is the branch that is broken.  Jesus Christ is the true vine who gives life to the people of God.  Those who are a part of the true vine will bear much fruit.

Jesus Christ is our Lord who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.  Jesus Christ is the one true Vine.  He has gathered together the people of God.  He has blessed them to produce fruit of repentance.  He will take a broken and lost people, gather them together around His Word.  He will make them into a great nation.

You are a part of these people.  Jesus Christ has died for you for the forgiveness of sins.  He was crucified so that you might have life and salvation.  He gives you the nourishment to produce good fruit through his Holy Word.  God Bless.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter (CL)

Matthew 13:1-23

1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

                  “ ‘ “You will indeed hear but never understand,

      and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

            15       For this people’s heart has grown dull,

      and with their ears they can barely hear,

      and their eyes they have closed,

                  lest they should see with their eyes

      and hear with their ears

                  and understand with their heart

      and turn, and I would heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 13:1–23). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Many people have asked me over the years what kind of soil am I.  Are you good soil or are you bad soil?  The problem is can soil change over time.  Many of have thorns and thistles that grow up in our lives.  Some of us have scorching heat that comes upon us at different times in life.  But the problem is we never know what might be coming around the corner.

But for each of you who have already heard and received the Gospel news.  Jesus Christ has called you to scatter seed.  Place yourself in seat of the sower not the soil.  How do you spread the message of Jesus Christ.  Do you wait until you find good soil?  Do scatter along the path, expecting it to be eaten by birds?  Or do you keep the seed for yourself and expect it to grow in the bag?

Most of the Christians that I know generally try and wait for the good soil to come along.  Or they take parts of the path and try to change the soil into better soil.  I may be getting to the edges of the parable.  But Jesus Christ has given us a message that is not just for good soil.  This message is for all people.

The Disciples were supposed to start with the lost sheep of Israel and spread that message to the ends of the world.  God's people have been given a great gift of good news for all mankind.  Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of all your sins.  He has made you his witnesses to the world.  He has opened your mind to the Gospel.  Don't worry about where you scatter the seed, scatter the word of God like this sower every where and any where you possibly can.

The Third Sunday of Easter (Ps) April 22nd

Psalm 96:1-13
1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
 sing to the LORD, all the earth!
 2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
 tell of his salvation from day to day.
 3 Declare his glory among the nations,
 his marvelous works among all the peoples!
 4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
 he is to be feared above all gods.
 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
 but the LORD made the heavens.
 6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
 strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
 ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
 bring an offering, and come into his courts!
 9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
 tremble before him, all the earth!
 10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!
 Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
 he will judge the peoples with equity.”
 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
 let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
 12 let the field exult, and everything in it!
 Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
 13 before the LORD, for he comes,
 for he comes to judge the earth.
 He will judge the world in righteousness,
 and the peoples in his faithfulness.
 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 96:1–13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

 Sing and shout the praises of our God. Declare His truth to all nations. Tell the people about Jesus Christ our Lord who has died and rose to new life for the forgiveness of sins. We continue to tell of the LORD's Salvation from day to day. Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”

 God makes all things new. But how often do we remember that we are new? God has made his people Holy. But do we really act holy? God has made his people witnesses of great things. But how often do they tell other people what they have seen?

 The Psalmist reminds the people that we can sing a new song of the Lord's salvation. When the people of Israel walked across the Red Sea, they sang a song. When the people of Israel entered into the Promised Land they sing. When God let the people place a King on the throne, the people sing a song. When the people of Israel brought the Ark of God to Jerusalem they sang a song.

Now the Psalmist urges his people to sing another song. Jesus Christ is the salvation of the people of Israel. Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of sins. The LORD Jesus Christ was raised from the dead to new life. He gives us new life in Christ Jesus our LORD.

The Third Sunday of Easter (OT)

2 Samuel 18:19-33
19 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run and carry news to the king that the LORD has delivered him from the hand of his enemies.” 20 And Joab said to him, “You are not to carry news today. You may carry news another day, but today you shall carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.” 21 Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed before Joab, and ran. 22 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?” 23 “Come what may,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.
24 Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he lifted up his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone. 25 The watchman called out and told the king. And the king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” And he drew nearer and nearer. 26 The watchman saw another man running. And the watchman called to the gate and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.” 27 The watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man and comes with good news.”
28 Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king, “All is well.” And he bowed before the king with his face to the earth and said, “Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king.” 29 And the king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.” 30 And the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.” So he turned aside and stood still.
31 And behold, the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “Good news for my lord the king! For the LORD has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you.” 32 The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” 33 And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (2 Sa 18:19–33). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I personally do not like to run. I like to ride my bike or walk, but running especially without a purpose does not spark my interest. On the other hand, running from something like a bear also does not sound enjoyable. But Ahimaaz runs because he has great news to share.

The Cushite runs because he must. But Ahimaaz runs because of the joy of his message. Ahimaaz runs because he has good news to tell his king. He runs with a purpose to spread good news. He runs to tell the King that his son is dead.

Why do you run? I know people that run because they need to exercise. I know people who run to compete for a prize. Others run because they need to get some place. But how many people run because they have good news to report? How many people run to spread the message? Interestingly enough, there are some people who run for a cause, and some people run support a ministry or program.

The important thing is not whether we run, but the message we carry. We carry on our lips the message of Christ's salvation. Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of all our sins. He died so that we might have life. The Son of David is dead. The Son of David is dead. He has provided forgiveness of your sins.

The Third Sunday of Easter (NT)

1 Corinthians 15:12-19
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 15:12–19). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I truly pity those people who do not believe in life after death. I do pity the people who do not believe the dead will be raised. I do feel pity to those people who do not live with a certain hope in the Resurrection of the Dead. But even more so I pity those people who are indifferent to the matter.

God sent his only begotten son so that all who believe should not parish but have eternal life. God sent him to his death. God raised him from the dead and gave him new life. Death could not hold him. He is raised so that we might have life. But pity should be upon those who do not believe.

Those who do not believe will be raised to eternal death. Just as all of us are dead in our transgressions, in this same state the unbeliever will be raised. This should remind us that every little word matters. Jesus commanded his Apostles to teach them everything or all that he had commanded them. If you leave out even the least mark or stroke of a pen from these pages, you begin to misrepresent God and trample on his testimony.

Christ has died and Christ has risen. Christ will come again. He will return to raise the dead. Some will be raised to eternal death and others will be raised to eternal life. He has given us life and salvation. Christ has provided the sacrifice for the forgiveness of all our sins. Jesus gives us a certain hope of everlasting life.

The Third Sunday of Easter (GA)

Matthew 10:5-25
5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 10:5–25). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus sends out the twelve as sheep in the midst of wolves. He sends them out to take nothing with them. They are to travel throughout the land of Israel. They are to gather the sheep of Israel. But there are many wolves out there. Still today there are wolves within and without of the people of God. But I find it strange Jesus does not provide the same warning to his disciples at the end of the Gospel.

Go and make disciples of all nations, but watch out for there are ravenous wolves all over the place. There are people that will attack the teachings of Christ. There are people that will attack the truth of Scripture. There are people who will attack his words. Therefore, these Apostles must stand firm and faithful.

The Apostles were dragged before governors and officials. They were beaten and flogged. They brought their testimony with them. Even when St Paul faced the Governor he proclaimed his testimony. When St Peter and St John stood before the Sanhedrin they confessed the truth of Christ. We as well stand before the world and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Christ has died and Christ has Risen. He has done this for the forgiveness of your sins. Christ has placed this message upon our lips to proclaim it as well. You are forgiven all your sins. You have life eternal through Jesus Christ your Lord.

The Third Sunday of Easter (NTA)

1 Corinthians 15:12-34
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 15:12–34). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

"Bad company ruins good morals" should stand along side Jesus' words to watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees. There are some among the Corinthians and for that matter Christians today who do not believe in the Resurrection of the Dead. St Paul equates this belief to the lack of faith in Christ's own Resurrection.

So I put the question to you, If I don't believe all the dead will rise on the Last Day, then does that automatically mean I don't believe Jesus Christ was raised from the dead? Truth be told, I believe that is what St Paul is saying. Because why wouldn't Christ raise the dead on the last day? This goes to a very key question which faces most Christians and for that matter the whole of the society; Is Death Natural?

If you believe in Evolution then the old must die so the young could be raised up to take their place. Therefore, Death is the natural way of things. But if God created human beings to love and care for them, why would he allow them to Die? Jesus Christ healed people and even raised three people from the dead prior to his Death. The Bible also says that the wages of sin is death. Thus, Death is not the natural way of things.

In Genesis Death is given as a gracious gift so that humanity would not live as dead in sin. But Christ has died for the sins off all mankind. He has provided forgiveness of sins. He has paid our wages for sin. Christ was raised as the Firstfruits of our Resurrection. Christ's resurrection is one connected with the resurrection of all the dead. Thus, St Paul is correct when he says that one must believe in the Resurrection on the Last Day and Christ's Resurrection. But even further, one must believe that Death is not natural and God desires you to have life.

The Third Sunday of Easter (OTA)

Daniel 7:9-14
9 “As I looked,
thrones were placed,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat;
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames;
its wheels were burning fire.
10 A stream of fire issued
and came out from before him;
a thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him;
the court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
11 “I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
13 “I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Da 7:9–14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Daniel sees the vision of the Son of Man coming. He defeats the beasts. He claims his dominion from all the Kingdoms and peoples and nations of the Earth. The message of the Ancient of Days has spread to all corners of the Earth. In Daniel's vision he sees thousands and ten thousands of people who stand before the Judgment seat.

He pictures the Day of Judgment, when all people will have to give an account to what is written. The people of God stand in a great multitude before the Ancient of Days. Others standing before God are consumed by fire including the Great Beast. All unbelievers will parish in the second death. They will die eternally in hell and torment forever.

But what does this matter for believers? Why should we concern ourselves with Daniel's Vision of the Ancient of Days? He will come and rule all the nations. He will establish his great Kingdom that will never be destroyed. This Kingdom is not like other Kingdoms or nations. This Kingdom is of God, established by God's Forgiveness and Witness.

Jesus Christ has given a testimony to his disciples. This same testimony we pass on to others. As this testimony spreads to the Nations, the Kingdom of God spreads to the ends of the Earth. Let us Go and bear witness to what we have seen and heard. Daniel has seen and Heard and so he testifies.