Matthew 28:5-7 – But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." (NRSV)

It was to be a very special Easter morning. We had already been to the ocean to greet the rising sun and were back in time for the early morning service followed by a congregational breakfast — a full day to be sure. But now came the Easter communion service with two congregations, one Korean and the other my congregation of St. David's, making for a packed church and amazing choirs.

Pastor Lee and I were to share the Easter message, and we had worked hard to ensure that we complemented one another. He began and shared a wonderful message on the meaning of resurrection. As I stepped into the pulpit, I made an interesting discovery: when Pastor Lee had left, he had picked up his notes — and mine!

An empty pulpit greeted me.

It was one of the most terrifying — and liberating — moments of my ministry. Unencumbered with notes and having no need for the prop of the pulpit, I was able to enter and embrace the congregation, and to express what Easter meant to me on a personal level, using the points of the text that I had just read from Matthew 28:5-7.

This is my message for you:

• Don't be afraid;
• He is risen;
• Come and see;
• Go and tell;
• He is going ahead of you;
• There you will see Him.

Easter is a personal experience with your name written large in the story: "This is my message for you."

I invite you during the Easter season to embrace the story and find the message given personally to you. There is no need to be afraid when you don't have notes or props. It is as simple as Come and see; go and tell.

A blessed Easter to one and all!

Prayer: God of resurrection, enable us to proclaim the good news that He is risen; He is going ahead of us; there we will see Him! Amen.

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About the author:

Kenn Stright <kennethstright@yahoo.ca>
West Petpeswick, Nova Scotia, Canada
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