Thursday, April 12, 2007
Mark 16:5-6 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him."
THE FACTS OF THE RESURRECTION -- THE DECLARATION OF ANGELS
On the night of Jesus' birth angels were dispatched to proclaim the good news to shepherds. The angel declared: "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). Angels were sent to proclaim the good news of Jesus' birth and were sent again to announce the good news of His resurrection.
When the women came to the tomb early on Sunday morning they heard a message similar to the one the shepherds heard on Christmas night: "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him."
Angels are messengers of God. The Easter angels were sent by God to announce: "He is Risen!" The angels themselves are also reliable witnesses to the FACT of the resurrection. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Ye sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heavenly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave has lost its sting:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
An angel bade their sorrow flee,
For thus he spake unto the three:
"Your Lord doth go to Galilee":
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 208:1, 3)
