by K. Detlev Schulz
One valuable contribution of our Lutheran hymnody is to bring out so beautifully the Easter message of the bible. Take, for example, the hymn by the Tanzanian Bernard Kyamanywa (b. 1938): “Christ has arisen, alleluia. Rejoice and praise Him, alleluia. For our Redeemer burst from the tomb, Even from death, dispelling its gloom” (Lutheran Service Book 466).
The Gospel of Mark mentions three women by name who visited the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid: Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of James; and Salome. The Gospel of John adds that the two disciples John (we assume that he is the beloved disciple) and Peter rushed to the tomb. In both reports, Jesus’s body could not be found. Indeed, the only conclusion to be drawn is that the Redeemer had “burst” from the tomb—in other words that He had resurrected.
But what does that mean in terms of significance? He defied death—and not a physical death alone but an eternal one as well. As human beings, we cannot escape the former; we will die. But the latter, the eternal death, is one that no longer presents its gloom for us. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57 KJV).
Easter reminds us of who we are: sinners in need of a Saviour. But more so: Easter triumphs with the risen Savior, our Savior. Praise be to Him!
May we always keep this message as central to our faith in and out season, and may we also share it with a broken world in and out of season. A blessed Easter to you all.
Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy;
Death’s fearful sting He has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving, alleluia!
Jesus is living, alleluia! (LSB 466)
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Rev. Dr. K. Detlev Schulz is General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council.
Artwork: Detail from Domenico Passignano’s Resurrection, c. 1625.
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