Watch the Devotion
Based on Matthew 28:1-10
Because He Lives
A gold star on purple backdrop, an inverted rifle planted in combat boots, topped by a helmet and draped with dog tags, a casket, an urn, a field of white marble headstones – all reminders of our mortality. These objects and symbols evoke a cloud of emotions: for some grief and sadness, for others loneliness, anger, resentment, and sometimes they are prompted to ask God, “Why?”
For friends and family of a man named Jesus from Nazareth, the objects that brought about these emotions were a wooden cross, the soldier’s hammer and nails, his spear. Is it possible that every time they witnessed a public execution on a cross those feelings of loss, horror, sadness and grief filled their hearts? Every time they saw a Roman soldier at his post or on patrol brought feelings of resentment and anger? As they walked the paths of Palestine to pluck figs or gather grapes and their hands were pricked by thorns from a shrub, they would see their own blood and shudder?
But something helped them manage and cope with those feelings, something helped to redirect their thoughts to the truth that gave these objects and symbols new meaning. Those “somethings” that helped were an empty tomb, the familiar voice of that man who had died but now lived and said to their attentive ears, “Do not be afraid.” The familiar hands and arms that had embraced them held them now on that first Easter evening. Yes, the body, once a lifeless corpse, was now alive and perfectly healthy and stood before them, spoke with them, ate with them.
My friends, Jesus died, was buried, and came back to life. Because he lives, you, too, shall live. Because he lives, those whom you love shall not remain dead forever but will one day climb out of their coffins and urns, they who died clinging to this one who absolutely destroyed the power of the grave. Because he lives, we can look at a gold star on a purple backdrop, we can see an inverted rifle planted in combat boots, we can walk through the fields of white marble headstones and be sad and grieve and ask the questions but with a new perspective. Because he lives, these, too, shall live. Because he lives, you, too, shall live never to die again.
Prayer:
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through Baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory. Comfort all Gold Star spouses and their children, all who wear the black memorial band around their wrist, any who have stood before the fallen soldier battle cross, all who pass by the white marble rows – comfort them with the reality and power of Easter, because he lives, the dead who die in the Lord shall live, and we with them. Amen.
Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.
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