Habakkuk 3:17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines… and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herds in the stalls.
Psalm 126:5 Those who sow in tears.
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My (Jesus’) sake.
2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, as poor, as having nothing,
Psalm 30:5 Weeping may endure for a night,
John 16:33 – … In the world you will have tribulation…
1 Corinthians 15:19 – If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
Habakkuk 3:18 – Yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Psalm 126:5 shall reap in joy.
Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.
2 Corinthians 6:10 yet always rejoicing; yet making many rich yet possessing all things.
Psalm 30:5 but joy comes in the morning.
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me (Jesus) you may have peace… but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
1 Corinthians 15:57 – But thanks be to God Who give us the victory through our Lord
1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, … be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
The old saying goes, April Showers bring May Flowers. It is true. My yard is crying out for a rainy day, or two. While I am one to enjoy a night time thunderstorm and even a rainy day or two, oo much of a thing can be overwhelming, think flood waters.
This past year has been like one long rainy season. Since last Easter, a year ago already, the day seemed darker, gloomier and even oppressive. Heart disease, cancer and Covid-19 were the three top causes of death. While the percentage of the population that was extremely vulnerable was extremely low, what remained high was fear, fear of the unknown and fear of the known. So the people of every country hunkered down and huddled separately away from family, friends and loved ones. Dark days and rainy nights for much of the year. APRIL SHOWERS
MAY FLOWERS are coming. the dark days are clearing the rain is abating. The sun is shining. THE SON is SHINING! The Tomb is still empty. Our God reigns! Sin is forgiven and we have peace with the Father. Last Easter we celebrated alone and apart. This year we CELEBRATED together!. As we gathered for the early service we were greeted with bright streams of sunlight. The Son Light of the Lord greeted us wit His Word and Sacrament. This scene repeated itself in the later service. Both times I was overwhelmed with joy and gladness.
It was good to be in the house of the Lord. It was good to know that the Lord still calmed the storm. It was good to see the people I love and worship with them to the sound of the trumpet and organ. It was great to see old face for the first time in a very long time.
As the service concluded I opened the doors of the church getting ready to greet the people outside, as has become our custom. There before me flittered, fluttered and flapped a must wonderful sight, a beautiful butterfly. My heart melted again because the butterfly has often been a reminder of Christ’s resurrection. From the tomb of the chrysalis life emerges. There is life from what looked dead. There is beauty, hope and JOY. MAY FLOWERS
Thanks you Jesus! You are Lord in the storm and you are Lord of the flowers!
Christ is Risen! He is risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Love, Pastor Mark