The Resurrection of Our Lord
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
– Psalm 118:1, 22-24
Easter is a day of joyful celebration, filled with music, flowers, and good news. We hear the story of the grieving women going to the tomb and not only finding it empty, but also being told by an angel that Jesus was not there, he had risen. The news spreads, and is met with a mixture of hope and disbelief, as people who were grief-stricken and exhausted hear words their brains can hardly process, but their hearts swell with hope. Who wouldn’t get caught up in the drama and excitement — the thoughts running through the minds of the followers: yes, it’s real, it’s as he promised, remember what he said!
The Psalms have given voice to the emotions and experiences of humans since the times in which they were composed. They tell us of joy, despair, gratitude, fear, anger, disappointment, love — they’re timeless and eloquent. Most of us especially appreciate the comforting words telling us of God being there as our refuge and strength, or as the protective shepherd.
The Lutheran Study Bible provided some interesting insights into the Psalm for this Sunday. First of all, it is identified as a Song of Victory. Throughout the entire book of Psalms are statements that God is faithful and his steadfast love is permanent. How interesting it is that included in this passage is the reference to the stone that had been rejected and then became the cornerstone. Stonemasons were both craftsmen and artists, respected for their knowledge and skill. They knew how to choose, shape and fit just the right stone for each part of a structure. Stones that were rejected were likely used for paving, as doorstops, or other common uses. As usual, God turns human values and knowledge around, and shows us what we have had difficulty perceiving.
Many rejected Jesus as the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies, but his teachings spread, the miraculous occurrences held up, his resurrection was real, and he is truly the cornerstone, the foundation of all we believe. It is indeed the Lord’s doing, and marvelous for us to behold.
The closing verse can also be translated, “This is the day that the Lord has acted, let us rejoice and be glad in him!” Isn’t it interesting how just a couple of words give this verse another meaning? After all, as the Creator of all, God has made all days. But this is a day he has acted, and we rejoice and are glad in him.
How blessed we are to be able to gather as brothers and sisters in Christ, to worship and hear the Good News, and then to go out, rejoicing, and share it with a world that needs to hear it so desperately.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers