April 26, 2021
Dear friends,
Take a close look at the woodcut above. What stands out to you? What do you observe?
Here’s one beautiful feature of this depiction of the resurrection. Notice how Jesus stands triumphant, with a victory banner in his hand. He stands with his foot on the grave. It’s reminiscent of artwork showing the promise fulfilled – that the offspring of Eve would crush the serpent’s head.
Victory is what brings us peace. Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the grave go hand-in-hand with his defeat of the devil. The Easter hymn puts it this way: “Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: the Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.”
Jesus’ victory over the devil and all his works and all his ways means victory for you as well. Because Christ is victorious, you can be certain as you struggle against sin and death. You can be certain that victory is yours.
“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
You have the great joy of knowing the outcome. You know how this story will end. You know that as you resist temptation, as you pursue righteousness, and as you strive to live in love, you have nothing to fear. By faith you cannot lose, for Christ has already won on your behalf. What remains is for you to reap the reward of his victory. Receive the forgiveness, life, and salvation poured out for you on the cross. And rejoice!
God bless and keep you,
Pr. Buchs