Easter Sermon: Living the Easter Story

Living into the Easter Story
Luke 24: 1-12
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
Easter Sunday
April 21, 2019

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. - Luke 24: 1-12

It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining. They were standing in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral. A father held his daughter’s hands and swung her in a circle of joyful bliss.

That moment, so full of love and life, took a passionate turn. Just one hour later thousands gathered with tears as fire engulfed the 850 year-old Cathedral. All who hold cherished memories of love and life, worship and renewal, art and history, in one of the world’s oldest cathedrals saw something deeply personal suffer and die.

The next day the Cathedral’s interior was dark like a tomb. Ashen debris from the fallen spire and roof covered the floor as smoke smoldered upward. And yet as the sun came up, a light shined upon the darkness of destruction and the darkness did not overcome it.

Through the exposed roof of the Cathedral the rising sun illuminated the large cross on the altar as a beacon of hope.

As the world mourns with Paris in grieving the loss of such holy and sacred space, Our Lady is still raising her voice from the center of Paris for all who have ears to hear. Her story of resiliency invites Christians and nonbelievers alike to behold the mystery and awe of God. Notre Dame’s tragedy is an Easter story: Because Jesus Christ suffered, died, and was raised to new life, death and destruction do not have the final word.

Our ladies in the biblical story of Luke had experienced the fullness of God’s love and life, worship and renewal through Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James the Lesser, and other women were within Jesus’ inner circle. These women not only provided for Jesus and the disciples out of their resources, but their lives had been completely changed by Jesus Christ (Luke 8:2-3).

Mary Magdalene saw her health fully restored by Jesus’ healing power. Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward, was drawn to God’s coming kingdom over and against Herod’s. Mary, the mother of James the Lesser, saw God’s grace change her son’s life as they followed Jesus together. You know she was a proud mom!!!

And suddenly Good Friday came. The women’s very personal memories of God’s love and life with Jesus Christ seemed to be destroyed when their Lord and Savior suffered and died on the cross and was laid in the tomb.

And yet, on that first Easter morning at early dawn the sun began to shine into that tomb, for the stone had been rolled away. The women went inside and there, where death had laid for three days, light was now shining into the darkness. The empty tomb invited the women to behold the mystery and glory of God.

The angels brought a newfound hope; these women along with the disciples and all future generations would now be learning what the empty tomb means in the gift of faith. Our ladies from Holy Scripture continue to lift their voices to all who have ears to hear, for they were the first to proclaim the good news!

While the cross on the hill of Golgotha was meant to be a symbol of death, God raised up the cross, through Jesus Christ, as a symbol of God’s conquering love. God’s love will never forsake us for the Lord promises us resurrection, forgiveness, new life, and resiliency.

That is why we flower the cross every Easter Sunday in worship. It is an act of holy remembering. Our human nature needs something tangible in order to take the first steps of living into the hope of new life.

He was born Ramon Antonio Gerardo Esteves but the world knows him by his stage name, Martin Sheen. He has been married to Janet for over fifty years. Together they raised four children. He also has his demons as a recovering alcoholic. Martin once told his son Emilio, “Faith is deeply personal. If it’s not personal, it’s impersonal, and if it’s impersonal, who cares?” [1]

Catholicism has always been Martin’s anchor. Years ago while on a project in Paris, work came to a halt to observe a national holiday. When Martin woke up, he told himself, “Today is the day.” He walked three miles from the hotel to a church he had occasionally visited for Mass. His steps became a pilgrimage in the midst of a life transition.

Martin banged on the church doors with urgency and purpose. He waited and waited. As soon as he turned to walk back down the sidewalk, the large wooden door swung open and there was the Irish priest Martin had seen on occasional visits. He was holding a napkin in one hand and he was chewing. Clearly Martin had interrupted the Father’s lunch.

The priest said, “Yes, what is it?” He must have thought there was an emergency from the way Martin had been banging.

“Well, Father,” Martin said. “I’m sorry to bother you. But I haven’t been to confession in years and I’d like to come back to the church.” The priest’s eyes narrowed, and from his reaction, Martin knew he had come to the right place.

“Well, come back tomorrow morning at ten. And don’t be late.”

The next morning Martin walked into the church and he was the only one present. Martin entered the confession box and unburdened a heavy load from his soul. The priest listened patiently and offered some spiritual advice. Then the priest gave Martin a penance before absolution; “Say one Our Father” (say the Lord’s Prayer one time).

With shock Martin asked, “One Our Father?”

“Have you been gone so long that you can’t remember the Our Father?”

Martin said with a laugh, “No I remember it.”

Martin left the confessional booth and sat down in the pew to reflect:

“I had just confessed the whole truth about the past dozen years of my life and forgiveness was graciously granted without hesitation or judgment. God’s love was deeply personal. Gradually an overwhelming sense of freedom and familiarity consumed my whole being.

I had just taken the first step of a long, complex spiritual journey that would change my life. But I wasn’t focused on the future now, only on this transcendent moment. Sitting alone in that church I began to weep uncontrollably with tears of sheer joy.

I don’t know how long I sat sobbing in the pew, but eventually I needed to blow my nose. I felt around in my pockets for a handkerchief but came up empty. Then I saw a Kleenex on the floor. I will never forget how I felt to see that Kleenex. The simple gift of a tissue on the floor at my feet when I needed one filled me with a sense of gratitude. It seemed to assure me that from now on, all my needs would be met if I stayed on the course I had just begun.” [2]

When the brokenness of the world and within our hearts weigh heavy on our souls God’s Word tells us to remember this is not the end of our story. You and I are Easter people therefore, today we celebrate the truth: Jesus Christ endured the cross for our sakes so that we may not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 12:3).

On this Easter morning have courage to look into the world’s destruction and disappointment. Have courage to look into the hidden places of your own regrets, hurt and grief. And then listen for the still small voice of grace saying: “The Lord will not leave you here.”

Because Jesus Christ is risen, God’s steadfast love and faithfulness hold an eternal promise for you and me. We are promised the opportunity to live into the Easter story today and every day until we are called home and behold the glory of God face to face.

From the ashes of brokenness God promises to raise us up in the Lord’s strength. It is in these transcendent moments that we experience Jesus’ resurrection power. The cross and empty tomb embrace us in God’s love, forgiveness, and hope to face another day. Faith guides our steps towards resiliency.

The Easter story cannot be explained but simply proclaimed – “The One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also” (2 Corinthians 4:14).

He is risen. He is risen indeed!

Today is the day – the first day to experience the Easter story changing your life!

Thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Amen.

Sources Referenced:

[1]Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, “Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son” (New York: Atria, 2012), p. 392
[2]Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, “Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son” (New York: Atria, 2012), pp. 295-296.

Lenten Sermon: God Moves to the Cross (6/6)

Lent: God Moves to the Cross (6/6)
Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29; Luke 19: 28-40
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
April 14, 2019
Palm Sunday

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever!

Let Israel say,
‘His steadfast love endures for ever.’
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures for ever. - Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29


Jesus he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’

So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.

As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
‘Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!’

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’ - Luke 19: 28-40

The one and only Jack Black was the voice for Po Ping, a bumbling giant panda in the movie, Kung Fu Panda. Po was obsessed with kung fu and he was the biggest fan of the Furious Five; famous animated kung fu students of the Red Panda Master Shifu.

Po became the unlikely one chosen to be the Dragon Warrior, a savior like figure who was capable of defeating all enemies with his kung fu might. The Dragon Warrior’s skills were a must when the evil kung fu warrior Tailung escaped prison and the Furious Five could not defeat Tailung.

Po’s training with Master Shifu was like a roller coaster but it culminated into one fantastic and life-defining moment; Po and Tailung faced off. As Tailung swung his southpaw, Po intercepted his opponent’s paw, ready to flex his power with the pinky death grip, also known as the Wuxi Hold. Once that pinky finger was up, there was no looking back; the world would never be the same.

Tailung was scared straight and said, “The Wuxi Hold! Surely Shifu didn’t teach you that!”

And Po, the Kung Fu Panda, replied, “Nope, I figured it out. SKA-DOOSH!”

And as soon as Po dropped his pinky, the world was shaken with ripples of a conquering life force. Tailung, the enemy, was swallowed up forever and the world was saved. It’s an awesome scene! But not as awesome as Easter!

Jesus Christ’s ministry had culminated into a defining moment for all humanity and creation. Today our awesome God claims his power and authority as Savior of the world. The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy was being fulfilled.

The Lord himself gave a sign to see the woman who bore a son and named him Immanuel, God-with-us (Isaiah 7:14).

This child was born for us, this Son of God given to us; authority rests on his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore (Isaiah 9:6-7).

And now your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).

As the disciples set Jesus on the colt, they could feel God’s Spirit at work in all of this. They praised God joyfully for all the deeds of power they had seen in their Rabbi and Lord (Luke 19:37). The crowd waved palm branches and threw down their cloaks to proclaim the Lord, who had once delivered them from Egypt, was about to deliver them again through Jesus Christ the Messiah (Leviticus 23:40).

From the beginning Jesus was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and was set apart to teach, heal, and proclaim the kingdom of God in a hurting and broken world [1]. The disciples and the crowds were amazed by the new life Jesus created from humanity’s brokenness; something only God could do.

Now making his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, God was moving Jesus Christ towards the cross. Jesus’ obedience to be led to the cross revealed that God’s redemption draws near through the Son of Man (Luke 21:26). With the Lord’s redemption comes God’s blessing, peace, and glory that Luke’s story talks about; gifts of God that are unparalleled.

God blessed his chosen, our Messiah. God’s spirit was upon Jesus to faithfully bring forth justice to the nations. God called Jesus Christ in righteousness and gave him as a new covenant to the people. Scripture affirms God is moving Jesus Christ towards the cross to open the eyes that are blind and to bring out the prisoners who sit in darkness (Isaiah 42: 1-8).

God shines the light of Christ into the darkness of our human sin which holds us captive. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness will never overcome the light of God’s love in Jesus Christ (John 1:5).

And yet even as we cheer the triumphant entry of our Savior today, we cannot deny that our sin put Jesus on the cross; it is a sobering thought. But in all this a spirit on high is poured out on us to bring righteousness; the effect of righteousness is peace (Isaiah 32:17).

We have peace knowing God’s love is mending the broken pieces of ourselves and our world. Peace is trusting that the work of the cross is making us more whole everyday through Jesus’ forgiveness and his ongoing ministry of reconciliation. Salvation in Jesus Christ leads the way to God’s peace.

Today we begin to walk towards the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter because they are sure and certain signs of the glory of God.

The cross is where Jesus suffers for the sake of right relationships between God and humanity. Righteousness and glory only belong to God for sin and death no longer have the last word. The good news of Jesus Christ is for our sakes so that grace as it extends to more and more people may increase our thanksgiving to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:15).

Today as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, God is moving you and I to the cross. Holy Week is a life changing seven days as we recall the story of Jesus’ costly grace.

German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed 74 years ago last week on April 9 at a concentration camp in Flossenburg, Germany. Bonhoeffer said:

“Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again. It is costly because it condemns sin; it is grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, grace is costly because it was costly to God, because it costs God the life of God’s Son – “you were bought at a price” – and because nothing can be cheap to us which is costly to God. This costly grace comes to us as a gracious call to follow Jesus [to the cross]; it comes as a forgiving word to the fearful spirit and the broken heart.” [2]

I pray that God’ Spirit would move our faith mightily this week as we retrace Jesus’ steps to the costly grace of the cross.

It is at the cross that we truly experience God’s blessing, peace, and glory of the new life promised on Easter.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Sources Referenced:

[1] Luke 4:14; 4:36; 5:17; 6:19; 8:46; 9:1; 10:13, 19
[2] Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Discipleship: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Works, Volume 4” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003), p. 45.

Lenten Sermon: God Moves Us to Empty Ourselves (5/6)

Lent: God Moves Us to Empty Ourselves (5/6)
John 12: 1-8; 2 Corinthians 2: 14-17
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
April 7, 2019
Fifth Sunday in Lent


Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.

Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)

Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ - John 12: 1-8

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not peddlers of God’s word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence. - 2 Corinthians 2: 14-17

One of my favorite childhood memories is coming home from school on Friday afternoons. I would step off the school bus and run down the drive way. I walked through the front door and the house smelled like love. When my sister and I were in elementary school, Friday was the day my mom put the house back together. Mom would clean our rooms, vacuum, and dust the furniture with Pledge furniture polish – the lemon scented kind. My mom showed her adoration to our family through her acts of service. To this day, the scent of love is Pledge lemon scented furniture polish.

The Gospel of John takes us into the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. These three siblings were Jesus’ best friends. Jesus’ earthly ministry was coming to a close. And the siblings invited Jesus over for a special dinner. John’s Gospel stimulates our biblical imagination with all the senses. As soon as the first century reader and we walk into the door, we too are embraced by a home filled with the fragrant scent of love.

Martha is in the kitchen preparing dinner. She continues to extend her gift of hospitality to Jesus. Lazarus is reclined at table beside Jesus. Mary was ready to sit at Jesus’ feet again; just days before Jesus wept with Mary (John 11:32-35). You see these siblings were celebrating that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11: 38-44). Gratitude for the good news of Jesus’ resurrection power filled that house.

Suddenly Mary was moved to give her most prized possession to Jesus as an act of her devotion. She knelt down on the floor, emptied the costly perfumed oil, and anointed Jesus’ feet. And then she lovingly wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair. Another layer of devotional love filled the house.

The importance of Mary’s action was not lost on Jesus. In John’s Gospel Mary’s selfless act stands in stark contrast to Judas’ question of self-interest to say this: The gift of faith is not meant to for us to keep for ourselves.

As Jesus was filled with the Spirit of God’s wisdom and will, God moved Jesus Christ to empty himself on the cross for us and for the sake of fulfilling God’s promise of salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Likewise, as we are moved and changed by Jesus Christ, God’s Spirit moves us to empty ourselves to glorify God and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

It was three months ago today that the Church Universal observed Epiphany, “the day we celebrate the manifestation of God’s saving purpose in Jesus Christ to all nations of the world.” Just as the star guided the magi to worship the Son of God, we each received a star in worship with the hopes that our star words would reveal something new and praiseworthy to us about the good news of Jesus Christ.

A few of our members have graciously given me permission to share their star word revelations from the past three months.

Camille received the star word “Teaching.” I see one of the spiritual gifts that God gave Camille is the gift of teaching. She has taught children’s Sunday School for a generation and has seen her students grow up into amazing young adults. After taking a well deserved break last year, she received her star word. When Camille revealed her word to me, I thought that God has a sense of humor.

An opportunity was presented for Camille to teach our youth Sunday School class for a few months and so she said yes to God. Camille taught our youth about Jesus’ life and ministry. Our youth have some really good questions, and Camille said she learned it is ok for her answer to be, “I don’t know.” Camille shared, “These students were great listeners and learners and I hope my ears were open to listen and learn from them too.”

Glenda received the star word “Encouragement.” I see God has used Glenda’s gift of writing Christian fiction to touch people’s lives in ways she had not expected. Glenda said she has received a lot of encouragement from her readers in past years. Therefore, her star word gave her an idea. Instead of replying to her readers’ comments with just a “thank you,” Glenda would ask questions about what part of the book the reader found meaningful.

Their online dialogue revealed real life issues that Glenda’s readers are facing that her books addressed . It also opened a door for Glenda to suggest they pray for each other. Glenda is praying for her readers while they are praying for her writing to touch others.

Laine received the star word “Witness.” I see God has given Laine the spiritual gift of sharing faith; she does this weekly in Sisters of the Heart Bible Study. But that word “Witness” initially gave Laine the image of standing on the street corner screaming at people about Jesus. The past three months the good news of being a witness for Jesus Christ has become a different kind of revelation for Laine. God’s Spirit is giving her the image of being present to personally see or perceive a thing; being a BEHOLDER, a spectator, or an eyewitness. So, she began spiritually watching.

Laine said, “I saw a billboard with the words of Micah 7:7, which states, “Watch and hope for the Lord.” God was reminding me to watch for Him & His handiwork everywhere, in everyday occasions. In daily Scripture readings I was reminded to “seek His face!” (Psalm 27: 8) and that God also sees me (Genesis 16:13). God is watching/witnessing my life… That’s a sobering thought! And I am reminded that watching is not a passive endeavor, but I must also be actively seeking to discern His presence. Daily quiet time, the study of His word, worship, fellowship with other believers, prayer...all are conduits by which He reveals Himself to me. I have personally seen Him in action...in the smile of my husband, in the tears of a friend, in the peace that comes over me when the world turns upside down. I am becoming a BEHOLDER. God is telling me, “Slow down, look for Me, & when you see Me, tell someone.”

God is at work in our lives in powerful ways, enabling us both to will and to work for the Lord’s good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). As the gift of faith fills our souls, God moves us to empty ourselves. The Spirit empties our hearts and minds of the things that do not serve God’s purposes. The Spirit is at work to fill us with the grace of Jesus Christ so that we might continue growing as the Lord’s disciples.

Jesus said, “The everyone will know we are his disciples by our love for one another” (John 13:35). Therefore, the hope is that we might watch for God, behold the Lord, and boldly share the fragrance of God’s love with one another.

The Apostle Paul says, “We are not peddlers of God’s word, but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence” (2 Corinthians 2:17). Therefore, God gives us the opportunity to be the aroma of Christ and fill not just our homes, not just our churches, but the whole world with the fragrance of God’s love.

Today we are standing in Christ’s presence as he begins to turn his face from his earthly ministry towards fulfilling God’s promises of new life through the cross.

How has Jesus Christ been at work in your life? Where has your faith encountered the fragrant scent of God’s welcome, hospitality, and self-giving love?

Savor the beauty of God’s precious gifts and then let them flow freely to encourage another.

May God’s Spirit move you and me to empty ourselves to share the love of Jesus Christ in humbling ways. Be moved to give glory to God.

In the name of God our Creator, redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Painting, "God Poured Out," by Mike Moyers