Let those words sink in for a moment. You will hear those proclaimed every Sunday until May 20 (Pentecost). Those words summarize more than just the victory of the season we are in during Eastertide. They also serve to remind us of the daily hope and victory we have in Jesus. His victory over sin and death gives us the same victory over sin and death in our lives as we turn and follow Him day after day.
We believe this as Christians, but are called to allow it to sink deep into our soul. We are to wake up with those words and to fall asleep proclaiming them. In the face of the ups and downs of the day and seasons of life, we are to cling to the eternal and changeless victory we have in Jesus.
After all, so many things are constantly in flux in our lives, even the ones we think we control! Yet, holding to this promise allows us the ability to look at the highs and lows of life through the reality of the resurrection. This reality, that nothing is or will be the same because of what Jesus did, places life in context, giving us hope and steadfastness in the midst of life’s trials and changes.
Options abound for us in what we may cling to for hope in this life. However, none brings the assurance, unwavering hope and promise of the Resurrection. We can face anything in light of what Jesus did for us. And the yearly reminder of proclaiming the victory we have through Him stands at the beginning of each service in Easter to orient us to the Truth.
So as you gather weekly in worship at Saint Barnabas, reflect upon those words. Words to cling to, hope in, and proclaim not merely with our lips but with our lives as we embrace and ever hold fast to them. Because in those words are life, love, and purpose.
Alleluia! Christ is Risen!