Bishop Usgaard's Easter Message

March 17, 2008

"If Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain...But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead."
(I Cor 15)

Someone once told me that "but" changes everything. When the conjunction "but" appears, it really doesn't matter what has gone before. What becomes the focus is where one stands after the "but."

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead." That is the message. That is the good news. That is the proclamation of Easter. And everything that has gone before is swallowed up - just like death - in this announcement.

I pray for you who lead the church in these most holy of days. I know your efforts of these past Lenten weeks, and the energy that is needed in these final holy days leading up to Easter. I know, too, in the midst of it all, that sin and Satan continue their struggle with our people and with us. Death is still real and sickness and conflict and frustration continue to assault. "But"..."But"... Remember the "but" and what comes after. Christ is alive. All the powers arrayed against him are defeated, even the tomb. That is our hope. That is our promise.

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead." Even as you proclaim this message to a people who so badly need to hear it, may that same message inspire and strengthen you in these days ahead.

A Blessed Holy Week and Easter!,

Harold Usgaard
Bishop