Dear friends in Christ,

It’s June? The pascal candle has been put back in its place by the font. The paraments have changed. Why are we talking about Easter? The Easter proclamation of “Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” echoes far beyond the fifty days of the Easter season. Easter is the daily reality for the believer. Christ has conquered sin, death, and the grave. Because of this we are called to live in the power of His resurrection now.

St. Paul captures this truth when he says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colo. 3:1–4, ESV).

We are Easter people. We are resurrection people. In baptism, we were buried into His death and raised with Him to newness of life (Romans 6). The old Adam in us is drowned daily through repentance and a new man rises in Christ. This new man is forgiven, renewed, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The power of the resurrection is not an abstract idea, nor is it reserved for Sunday mornings. It is transformative and it reshapes our entire lives. In our many and varied vocations, that of parents, spouses, children, workers, students, and neighbors, the resurrection of our Savior reshapes us in lives of love, service, and witness. The resurrection sustains us when trials come, whatever they may be.

We see this power at work in our congregations where the means of grace daily deliver Christ’s victory to His people. Living in this power means fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. It means confessing that death has lost its sting. It means rising each day in the strength of our risen Lord Jesus Christ, living as forgiven children and serve boldly. Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

Jesus lives! The victory’s won!
Death no longer can appall me;
Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done!
From the grave will Christ recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence;
This shall be my confidence.
“Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won!” (LSB 490:1)

Prayer: Almighty God, You raised Your Son Jesus Christ from the dead and have made us a new creation in Him. Daily renew us by Your Holy Spirit, that we may live as Easter people in repentance, faith, and newness of life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

In Christ,

Rev. Samuel M. Powell
Third Vice President
Missouri District