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13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven. 14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him; Praise the Lord! – Psalm 148:13-14
It’s been many weeks since Easter, but we, as Easter people, know that Sunday, the first day of the week is resurrection day. It is our day to rejoice to give thanks to God and to sing (even if we can only hum). Still our hearts rejoice for another week has come and we gather (even if it is remotely) to praise the name of the Lord.
All because, Early in the morning, on the first day of the week, when the sun had not yet come up, women were going to the tomb to finish preparing the body of their Lord, Jesus for his pertinent burial.
When they arrived, they saw that the stone was rolled away, to tomb was empty and angels sat at the entrance saying, “why are you looking for the living among the dead. For Jesus, whom you are looking for is risen.”
God makes all things new. Because of this moment, which we continue to celebrate as Easter people, God made his world new. Because Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, we have with us now the counselor who is the Holy Spirit, God dwelling with us, transforming us, sanctifying us, perfecting us in God’s love.
And there will come a day for us, who have faith in such a resurrection life that we will get to live and abide in the presence of our God forevermore. But do we not believe that our God dwells with us even now? Have we not tasted the eternal, and know that God is good?
God is faithful to us, even when we are disobedient, even though we fail, God’s love will never fail. God is making us new even now, and wiping away the tears from our eyes. God, through the Son has even taken away our death, that though our physical bodies may die, we will be transformed, be like he is, and live with him forever more.
Even now, God gives water, to those who ask, from the spring of the water of life. For those who have tasted the water of life, have springs within themselves of living water that will never run dry.
There may be a day that is coming where a new heaven and a new earth is formed and replace the old. There may be a time when hatred and malice think they can win, and cause war as a way of life on this earth. But I know, and fully believe, that in the end God wins. God’s love gives us reason to rejoice now and forever.
Grace & Peace,
Sam