Easter 2024

1 Corinthians 15, 20 – 22

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Dear Readers,

I wish you a blessed and happy Easter! Christ has risen from the dead! That is cause for rejoicing. There is a tradition in many Christian communities: The faithful meet in the cemetery for a service on Easter morning.  They sing their "Hallelujah" in the middle of the graves. They bear witness to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. HE is the FIRST whom God took from the grave. He is the FIRST whom God brought back to life. HE is the FIRST of God's new creation. 

Through his victory over death, Jesus Christ will bring all people back to life on the day of his return. He will call ALL to account one day. Death will then have no more power. No one will remain in the grave.

However, at this time death is still the strongest power in this world and rages on this earth. We can experience this every day. Unfortunately, there are countless people who make themselves the henchmen of death and not the preservers of life. 

Nevertheless, during countless suffering, pain and grief, the glorious message of Easter remains (1 Timothy 1:10): “Our Savior, The Lord Christ Jesus, has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we will receive the new life of Christ after our earthly life. This is a gift, not a merit! The resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ is the guarantee of this. He gives new, eternal life to those who trust in Him. 

The fact that Jesus Christ is the FIRST of the new creation is symbolized by this old stamp issued by the "Deutsche Bundespost" (German Mail) with the beautiful logo “1”. This stamp had the lowest possible value at the time when it was issued, namely just 1 pfennig! The saving Easter message is quite different. It has an unimaginable value for us: Jesus Christ is and remains both number 1 in life and in death. Jesus Christ is the savior from eternal death.

Please make sure that the Lord Jesus Christ will be your number 1 in life. Then you can celebrate Easter in the certainty that HE, the victor, provides eternal life. It begins today and cannot be taken away by any power in this world. 

Thank you very much for listening to me. I wish you a happy and blessed Easter time. I cordially invite you to the next service on April 15. Until then, I wish you God's blessing and protection in spirit, soul, and body through our Lord Jesus Christ.