Death Stinks?
March 26, 2023
AS WE GATHER
Death stinks. We are reminded that death literally stinks in today’s Gospel when Martha objects to opening her brother Lazarus’s tomb because there would be an odor. Death also “stinks,” however, in another very real way. Death “stinks” because our Lord did not intend for us, His creation, to die. Yet, since the time of Adam and Eve’s first sin, death is a rotten part of living in this fallen world. That is why Jesus’ proclamation of Himself as “the resurrection and the life” is so important. Death could not hold Lazarus. Death could not hold Jesus. Death cannot hold you. On the Last Day, Jesus will call you out from the nasty grave to enter eternal life. We sing of that great release from our tomb saying,
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won! Death no longer can appall me; Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done!
From the grave will Christ recall me. Brighter scenes will then commence; This shall be my confidence. LSB 490:1
Bible Readings
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Ezekiel 37:1–14
EPISTLE READING
Romans 8:1–11
HOLY GOSPEL
John 11:17–27, 38–53