April 5, 2026 – Easter Text: Zechariah 8:19-23
Dear Friends in Christ,
Today is a day of feasting. Easter breakfast. Easter baskets. Easter dinner. Even better, we feast on the triumphant news of Christ’s victory over sin, death, Satan, hell. We linger over this savory statement: “He is not here; he has risen.” (Matt. 28:6)
Let’s back up. Did you fast during Lent? We are not talking about getting ready for a medical test or skipping a meal. Did you observe the ancient spiritual discipline of fasting?
God commanded the Israelites to abstain from food one day: the Day of Atonement. But in the Bible David fasted and Jesus fasted and the believers at Antioch fasted and there are other examples of voluntary fasting. Fasting can help keep focus on Jesus or devotional time or remorse over sin. Maybe you fasted from sweets or alcohol or social media.
But after a time of self-denial, we anticipate a celebration. Imagine Jesus at the end of his 40 day fast. We have looked forward to the end of the 40 days of Lent, and today – Resurrection Day . . .
“OUR FASTING GIVES WAY TO FEASTING”
At a recent circuit Pastor’s conference, we had a study on fasting. There is a group of LCMS clergy who have been fasting during Lent. We looked at Bible verses and what fasting is and what it is not. We were given practical helps for this spiritual discipline. And I learned again that the work breakfast came to be from breaking the fast.
In Lent we have been looking at the prophecies of Zechariah, the Holy Week Prophet. None of his prophecies directly foretell of Jesus’ resurrection, but today we will hear the prophet predict that fasting will give way to feasting.
The text says that in the fasting “love truth and peace.” Even if you didn’t fast during Lent, it is a nice reminder that every day we should live the truth. We need to lament that it was “my fault, my own fault” that caused Jesus’ torture and torment. We confess we have not always loved truth and peace, and we deserve to be deprived of God’s presence for all eternity. Yet it was Jesus who was deprived of the Father’s presence on the cross.
Lent is also a time to see that the prophecies have been fulfilled. The fasting has ended; let the feasting begin. Easter is a joyful occasion for God’s people, because Jesus’ work is complete. The truth is, “he is not here; he has risen.” The peace is, we have a restored relationship with God.
That is why you rolled out of bed this morning to see the lilies and white paraments and to hear the return of “Alleluia” and to sing, “I know my Redeemer lives.” And maybe you invited people to be here with you like the prophet wrote, “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” (v. 23). What a testimony. The church throughout the world. Think of all of your fellow Christians around the world who have worshipped, are worshipping and will worship. This Easter joy ties us all together. Next Sunday, we see it in person with our seminary student Corrie Steel whose home is Australia.
God is with you Mary Magdalene as you weep outside the tomb. God is with you apostles as you hide behind locked doors until Jesus says, “peace be with you. God is with you Emmaus disciples as you lament the death of Jesus but then He explains the Scriptures to you. God is with you persecuted Christians, as you hold tightly to the faith under pressure. God is with you suffering Christians as you weep and grieve. God is with you faithful Christians as you seek to defend the truth in a hostile world. God is with you dads and moms as you equip your children for life in a world that hides so many spiritual land mines.
Live your faith. Live it so loud that people are envious of your joy. Make church attendance a Sunday thing that if the neighbors see your car in the drive, they know you must be sick. And when they ask why you handle things so confidently tell them about God who says: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10)
On Easter, the fasting of that fatal Friday gave way to feasting for Jesus’ disciples. On Easter, the fasting of Lent gives way to feasting for us. Fill your heart with the triumph of the resurrection. Stuff your schedule with satisfying service to your Savior and your neighbor. Show the curious minds of your friends the power of the living Lord in your life.
And then don’t be surprised if one or two or ten people take hold of you by the hem of your clothing and say, “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.”
A Blessed Easter!
Amen.