April 12, 2020 – Easter Text: Colossians 3:1-4
Dear Friends in Christ,
We are in the midst of an evil, satanic pandemic – a disease prevalent over much of the world. We must change our habits and attitudes, because the death is real and staggering. Over 9 million deaths are predicted this year in China alone. Most expect at least 700,000 deaths from this pandemic in the United States. It is estimated 25 million deaths this year could occur worldwide that are not even reported. The tragedy is unthinkable. Coronavirus? Hardly. These deaths are purposely caused by the sin of abortion.
As I read those statistics almost all of you heard coronavirus. It’s everywhere. On our lips. In the news. It’s part of commercials and phone calls and e-mails. We hear about it at home. We hear about it from our workplaces. We know six feet distance and washing hands better than 2 + 2. The word of the year is together. See how many times you hear that in a 24-hour period. Alone together. Really?
Do you see how tied to this world we are? We are anxious about the job. We are nervous about the elderly relative. We worry about the economy. We wonder when will it be over? These last three weeks, let’s be honest, where has your focus been? – on the things of earth or on the things above? The Lord knows we need this text for today. Let’s get some perspective.
I am going to put my college French to use. Today is our denouement – we are going to wrap up a series of events. In Lent our sermon series has been on the Seven Deadly? Sins. We are going to find closure and give hope. With all that is happening in our lives . . .
“WHY ON EARTH SHOULD WE FOCUS ON HEAVEN?”
Paul begins to give us a clearer perspective as he writes, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (v. 1-2)
We have had a lot of earth plantings lately. Who should I hug? Do I go get groceries? I had to go to the hospital this past Monday. It took a few phone calls and checking me at the door, but I was let in. Where am I? Oz? Willie Wonka’s Chocolate factory? It was a little eerie. Very few rooms occupied. No one in the halls. I don’t get nervous going to hospitals. Why be apprehensive? Visit made. Hands held through latex gloves. A minister doing his job, ministering. A blessed day.
A few facts. Of those who get the virus 95% are still breathing. In the latest round of the flu 7.1% died. To be an epidemic you need 7.3%. Do you see how we are so in tune with the things of earth? I watch or listen to very little news because my mind doesn’t need distractions. I do my job as a Pastor better without the clutter in my cranium. How many are in despair, afraid, anxious, isolated, and alone because of their ties to earth? Will anyone even notice if I’m gone?
Enough about our current world. Today Is Easter. He is Risen! The world to come looks pretty inviting, does it not? Paul again from our text, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (v. 3-4)
We died with Christ and we have been raised with Christ. Our Lord and Savior paid the price for those times we clench our fist so hard to grasp this world. He spilled His blood so that we can be washed clean of our mind on earthly things. He went into the depths of hell for us so that we could be saved from everlasting torment. He who created the ground, was buried in our place. He was raised today so that we might also rise and conquer sin and death.
Because Jesus died and rose our life is with Christ. To be in Christ means to be more than willing to abandon all other things, including the sinful cravings of the heart. In fact, as Christian people we want to set aside the sinful cravings of the heart not just because God commands it, but because of our connection to Jesus Christ. He is our motivation. “Why on earth should I focus on heaven?”
W.H. Wente wrote, we are saints “set aside from an evil and wicked world as God’s possession, awakened to faith in Christ, receiving forgiveness of sins in daily repentance, and living a new life in the Spirit. In this new life the Christian virtues develop.” In all of the deadly sins we have talked about these last seven weeks there is a Christian virtue counterbalance. For greed its charity. With sloth its diligence. In anger we need patience. Instead of envy a heart of gratitude. No more gluttony just temperance. We overcome lust with chastity. The death of pride comes with our humility. The sins tie us to earth. The virtues connect us to heaven. We might add compassion, kindness, gentleness and forgiveness. Holy Spirit please help us!
St. Augustine sometime after his conversion was walking down the street and noticed a former mistress walking toward him. After seeing her, he turned around to walk in the opposite direction. Surprised, the woman cried, “Augustine, it is I.” But continuing on his way Augustine cried back, “Yes, but it is not I!”
Why on earth should our focus be on heaven? Because our heavenly life is forever. We will appear with Christ in glory. No more masks, no more anxiety, no more distancing. We will not be alone together. We will be together together – around the throne of the Lamb in his Kingdom. Brothers and sisters, until we can worship and fellowship as one body of Christ, keep the focus on heaven. The Lord is there. His love is so great that He gave His Son for you and me. That Son rose, and ascended to the right hand of the Father. Look up – keep looking up. A Blessed Easter!
Amen.