Acts 3:19, “19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” Now that Easter has passed in the church year, we begin to work toward the ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father and Pentecost. The Easter season has us contemplating our victory over death found in Christ’s victory over death. What is especially beneficial during the Easter season is to remember that Jesus’ resurrection shows us that the Father, who is judge of all, approves of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. We are forgiven before God because Jesus died for the sins of the world. Jesus forgives us all our sins.

At the time of Easter if you’re anything like me you also reflect and remember your loved ones who have died and are awaiting the resurrection of all the flesh. When we remember our loved ones, we might also lament a little bit. We might recall things we did that we wish we could ask our sainted family and friends for forgiveness. Perhaps an argument that now you realize was blown out of proportion. Death is the stealer of reconciliation in some ways. It takes away the opportunity for us to reconcile with one another as much as we might like.

In addition to stealing reconciliation, death also causes much confusion in regard to caring for our loved ones at the time of death. I have had people regret the way they cared for their loved ones as they saw their earthly life coming to an end. Is there any peace to be found?

The good news is yes! In Jesus all sins are forgiven. Sins against one another and sins where we were perhaps reluctant to care for our loved ones as they lost their ability to care for themselves. This is part of the joy of the Easter resurrection.

If you remember when Jesus was arrested, Peter drew his sword and cut of Malchus’ ear. He was a servant of the High Priest. Jesus said put your sword away. Peter was confused. Peter was worried. Peter didn’t know what to do and he made a sinful decision. Peter broke the 5 th commandment. That wasn’t the only sin Peter committed. Peter also then shortly denied that he knew Jesus.

All this weight might have caused a weaker man to abandon the faith. Judas gave up the faith and murdered himself. Peter though was sustained. Peter was strengthened by the Holy Spirit to not give up. Peter didn’t deny the Holy Spirit. After Jesus was raised from the dead, he then appeared to the disciples and restored Peter. Three times Jesus told Peter to “Feed my sheep.” This is a threefold restoration Peter to show Christ forgave his sin of denying Christ. But also in this restoration, Christ is forgiving Peter for his sin against Malchus. Peter’s sin against another person. That is how complete Jesus’ forgiveness is.

So, if you are carrying around a burden from your past, know that Jesus’ death and resurrection is for all your sins. Even sins you may have committed in ignorance or anger at the time of a loved one’s death. Even if you have hurt someone or abandoned your duty to help someone in their time of need, in Jesus’ shed blood there is forgiveness.

Jesus’ victory over death shows that his forgiveness even covers sins that death prevents us from asking the one we sinned against for forgiveness. This feeling, this burden, this sadness, this worry is also known as regret. In Jesus there is freedom from regret and sorrow. In Jesus is freedom.

Don’t give up the faith nor go down a path where you embrace sorrow because death has prevented reconciliation. Indeed, if there is someone that you have sinned against, now is the time for reconciliation before Christ calls you himself or the other person. But if you are holding onto regret “cast your cares on him and he will sustain you.” Psalm 55:22

Alleluia Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

See you on Sunday.
Pastor Ottmers