Easter Sunday

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” — Mark 16:6–7

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen. Today at church you may hear this or some other version of it. That word “amen” is the great word of faith. It is a word that confesses trust in what was just said. That’s why we end our prayers with it. That’s why we end the Lord’s Prayer with it.

Since Christ has been raised from the dead He is now exalted over all things. The kingdom is His, the power is His, and the glory is His. At the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer we are confessing the truth that the Triune God reigns, and in particular this day we confess with great joys and Alleluias that Christ Jesus lives and reigns to all eternity.

In the Gospel lesson for today St. Mark points out the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. He also points out how Jesus keeps His Word “just as He told you”. By bringing in Peter and the disciples he is also bringing in the gospel they will preach through which many will believe in Christ. This is the good news we hear in our churches and celebrate with family and friends today.

To all of this we say “Amen”. That is to say “yes, yes, it shall be so”. Our Father has commanded us to pray in this way. He has promised to hear us. Our Father has been faithful in sending His only-begotten Son to redeem us and has raised Him from the dead. He is faithful. So, pray. Ask. Receive. The Father has given His Son. He will certainly answer your prayers.

Dear Father, thank You for the resurrection of Jesus. Help this good news bring greater trust in You as I pray in accord with Your command and promise. Amen.