The Resurrection of our Lord: Psalm, Psalm 16                        

Psalm 16

I am departing from the more normal practice of OT, Epistle, and Gospel to include the Psalm given for the Divine Service today. I’ve fallen behind a bit in my writing practice, but I want to place a final stamp on this Holy Week with an exclamation of hope, a gush of joy, if you will allow me.

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.

For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

 

– David, King of Israel, Composer

I’m watching the cursor on my computer blink. Its regularity poses a rhythm not unlike the beating of a human heart. “Blink, blink, blink … thump, thump, thump.” On this day, this day of Resurrection we all rejoice. Those in Christ taste and see that the Lord is good. Inestimably good. The silenced heart of the slain Rabbi from Nazareth slowly begins to beat once more. It’s dark in the tomb. No matter, for He is the Light. “In Your light, we see Light,” I remember reading somewhere. The blood begins to move, the brain engages in all its complexity. No matter, he knows heart, brain, blood and breath. He created them all. He created life. And living.

Yes. Life and living come from the hand of this Son of God. We often think of our joy on this day, but what of His? “Oh how He loves you and me,” goes the old gospel song. True enough. But remember, He is also a Son who loves His Father. And He’s going home. A bit before us, yes. To do some “construction” for us? Yes, by His own word. But He is going home to announce to His Father that the task given is finished, and oh, by the way, the family reunion will be massive. “Father, a whole mess of Your children will be home soon. We did it. The way home is open and clear.” The Son is home because He loved us all the way to the end. Through the end to life, everlasting. Joy everlasting at the Father’s right hand. For us all.

He is risen! He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!