Weekly Meditation - Easter 3

Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

The Epistle Reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter is 1 Peter 2:21-25, and now we will consider verse 24, which reads, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness."

Part of the Christian life is that we who have been forgiven would lead a life where we strive to turn away from sin - indeed, an image often used is this image of dying to sin and living to righteousness. This points to a truth - that the forgiveness which Christ won for us not only cleanses the sins of our past, but that it also is to shape and direct our future - that because we are forgiven and know this forgiveness, that our lives in the future are to be lives of Christ's own righteousness shining through us.

This idea is called "Sanctification" - that we are made holy ("Sanctus" is Latin for "holy" and "fication" deals with making something, like in the word "factory") and now do that which is holy. We are to strive to do that which is holy, that which is righteous, that which is just. That is the heart of what living as a Christian is - to strive to be like Christ.

There are many, many things that people will claim is the Christian life. Some say a life of power, some say a life of purpose, some will point to a life of glory and might. Eh, perhaps - but Peter nails it down here. The Christian life is to be a life where we die to sin, where we flee from sin, and a life where all that we do is to be righteous, to be holy, to be a matter of showing love. That is the path of the Christian life.

So why is this the shape of our life? Because it is the shape of Christ's life, and Christ gives you His whole self, all that He is. His love dominates and overwhelms and guides your life - He makes you do die to sin and to live to righteousness -- indeed, this is part and parcel of the gift of Baptism -- remember your catechism - what does such baptizing with water indicate? (If you do not remember the answer to the question, you may look it up in your catechism or find it here)

Know who you are in Christ - delight in His forgiveness for your sins of the past, delight in the strength He gives you for the week to come, and in all things trust in His mercy and love for you - for indeed, He Himself bore your sins for you, that you might have life in His Name.

Have a blessed week,

Pastor Brown