Exhortation, Fifth Sunday of Easter

Easter is about hope, not only hope for the future, but hope realized in the present.

The Lord promised that Abraham’s seed would be like the stars of heaven. The point was not simply that Abraham’s seed would be numerous, though they are and will be. The point was that Abraham’s seed would do among the nations what stars do in the night sky.

And what do stars do?

On the fourth day of creation, the Lord created the sun, moon and stars to serve as signs, rulers, and time-keepers. That’s now what we are, and that’s what we do. For a little while, we were lower than the angels. No longer: In Christ, who is the Abraham’s seed, we are placed in the firmament of the highest heavens to shine forever.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, the star from Jacob, we are seated in heavenly places. This is not just a postmillennial hope; it’s already true, and has been for two millennia. We are co-rulers with Christ, and, whatever the appearances to the contrary, our prayers, proclamation, service, and celebration govern the world.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, whose birth was announced by a star, we are the time-keepers for creation. In Christ, we announce a new dawn, and through the power of His resurrection we shape the future. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, who is the bright Morning Star, we are the light in a world still under the shadow of darkness.

You are Abraham’s seed, stars shining in the heavens. So, let your light shine that men may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.