There are times when we listen to the message of the Bible and it seems to go in one ear and out the other. It isn’t that we intentionally do this, but we’re so caught up in living that Jesus just doesn’t seem to have much to do with what we are experiencing. And then something happens that hits us straight on and shouts, “Only Jesus is going to get you through this!” I had one of those experiences this past week.
On Wednesday my mom passed away quietly in our home. It was beautiful that just a few moments before she went to meet Jesus I had read powerful passages of the resurrection to her. Still, at the moment of death there is that question for those of us who must remain: “How do I get through this?” For the Christian, the answer is “Jesus” and “only Jesus”. He is the almighty God. He is the One who conquered death so that we can follow in his footsteps. He is the One who gives hope when we can find it nowhere else.
I have a friend who receives these weekly e-mails. Frequently he responds with the single encouragement: “Rejoice! The tomb is empty. He has risen!” In the past I have often just glanced at that reply and moved on. Not today. For it is the fact that Jesus is the risen, living Lord that we can be confident he will shepherd us through even the darkest of valleys.
Rejoice! The tomb is empty. Jesus has risen!
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
Hawaii Lutheran Church (WELS)
- Community Lutheran Church
- Honolulu, HI
- Community Lutheran Church holds protestant chapel services in Honolulu, Hawaii near Pearl Harbor, HI. We are next to the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hickam Air Force Base, and Fort Shafter Hawaii. Look for us directly behind the Salt Lake, Hawaii, Target.