Luke 24:1-12     NT p. 85 or 1296

[1] But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared.

[2] They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,

[3] but when they went in, they did not find the body.

[4] While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them.

[5] 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.

[6] Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,

[7] that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again."

[8] Then they remembered his words,

[9] and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.

[10] Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.

[11] But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.

[12] 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. [NRSV]

1 Samuel 16:1-13     OT p. 253 or 353

[1] The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons."

[2] Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the Lord said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.'

[3] Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you."

[4] Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, "Do you come peaceably?"

[5] He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

[6] When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord."

[7] But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

[8] Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one."

[9] Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one."

[10] Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these."

[11] Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here."

[12] He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one."

[13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. [NRSV]

INTRODUCTION:

A gentleman wrote in to The Christian Herald magazine. In their family, he said, it was a custom to have a sing-along while traveling by car. It helped keep their boys out of trouble and in a good mood. On one trip their eldest son, Aaron, asked if they could sing the "Gravy Song."

"What's that?" The rest of the family asked. "Teach it to us."

With all innocence Aaron began singing the Easter hymn, "Up from the gravy arose." (1)

It's amazing how our kids hear things when they don't really understand the true meaning of word or phrase. So in honor of Aaron, today is "Gravy Day." Today is the day we sing the "Gravy song." We sing it loud and we sing it with great feeling because we know it's deep meaning. It's a victory song. It's a song that tells the story of the greatest battle of all. A battle of wills, a battle of conscience, a battle for the souls of every human being in the world.

It was a battle that would determine who would be "King Of The Hill."

I'll never forget the house that Uncle Ace and Aunt Billie lived in when I was in early elementary school. In their backyard, they had one of the greatest hills I can remember. It's not all that big now, as I look through adult eyes. But in the eyes of a five or six year old, it was the biggest hill I had ever seen. It was tall and long and steep. In the winter you could lay on a sled or sit in a saucer sled and fly down that hill for what seemed like miles. In the spring and summer, you could roll down the side of that hill for hours. Or you could stand on it's heights and play "King of the Hill".

Remember "King of the Hill"? The whole purpose was to work your way to the top, climbing over everyone else if need be. And then, there at the top, you would confront the current "King of the Hill" and try to best them by pushing them off the hill. It was a struggle of strength, stamina and skill.

Then came the hard part, defending the heights. Keeping the others from claiming your territory. There was a lot of rough and tumble pushing and shoving that fit right in with the competitive nature of young boys.

A lot of people have never grown out of that "King of the Hill" mentality. It is the driving force in all of their relationships. It describes their work and management styles. It describes how they treat their family. It describes even how they function in volunteer organizations. They have to be "King of the Hill." Oh there is no physical pushing and shoving in most cases. But there sure is a lot of social, political and emotional pushing and shoving that goes on. All so that they can be "King of the Hill."

The only problem is that it's lonely at the top. There is no one to share the burden of staying on top or being the best. Everyone else who aspires to the top is the enemy. There can be no friends or even close colleagues in that kind of mentality because they may discover our weaknesses and use them against us to depose us.

So what does that have to do with our readings this week? And with Easter?

Well, in Saul we see someone who was reluctant at first to take on the mantle of leadership and authority and become the first King of Israel. But then we see how he grew in the role. He began to love it. And not only love it but then he began to fear that those around him were trying to take it from him.

And in Jesus, through the Cross and the Empty Tomb of his Resurrection we find out who really is the "King of the Hill." Because, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we were able to witness the greatest battle for "King of the Hill" that anyone has ever seen.

It was the battle to see whether sin and death could overthrow the one chosen for the position, Jesus. In that epic battle on the hill of Golgotha, when they nailed Jesus to the cross, it appeared that Jesus had failed. Friday and Saturday were the darkest days of our existence. The one who promised life was now dead and lifeless. And that pretty much described His followers, too. There were no hymns of praise or shouts of joy. The shouts of acclamation that were heard as Jesus entered Jerusalem a week before were drowned out by the laughter and cheering of sin and death as they did their victory dance on the hill of Calvary, the hill Golgotha.

But they only thought they had won. They only thought they had deposed the King.

And just so you won't be wondering, they failed. Sin and death were forever defeated that day. Jesus is the true "King of the Hill." He was knocked down, crucified, dead and buried. But He rose again. And in rising, He defeated our worst enemies, sin and death. With a one two punch that sent them reeling for eternity, Jesus reclaimed the Hill of Golgotha, the Hill of Calvary as the footstool of His throne. Jesus IS "King of the Hill" and that's why we sing the "Gravy Song."

I. JESUS AND DAVID:

A. As we look at the passage in 1 Samuel and think about our readings for the week, we can see some striking similarities between David and Jesus. And in those similarities we can see why God chose David to be the greatest King Israel would ever have. We can see why God made David "King Of The Hill" in his own time. David possessed many of the qualities that we see in Jesus.

FIRST: We see David as a boy, in the court of King Saul, soothing his headaches and calming his spirit with music from the lyre. We also see Jesus as an infant soothing the aching hearts and spirits of two people God had promised would see the Messiah before their death. Anna and Simeon knew the minute the boy was brought to them. Just as Saul knew that David was someone special in God's eyes when David defeated Goliath.

B. SECOND: In our readings we saw David anointed as King. The last one chosen, the least likely to be chosen a simple shepherd boy. Yet he became the Anointed King of Israel. And likewise, Jesus was the least likely Messiah of all. The son of a carpenter, born in a stable, a nobody, so to speak, whom God used and Anointed not just as King of Israel but as Savior of the world.

C. THIRD: In our readings, se see David living as a fugitive. Saul, like his namesake in the New Testament, was breathing threats and murder against David and his followers. And Jesus, as an infant, became a fugitive he was forced to flee the threats and murder of Herod.

D. FOURTH: As we read about David's exploits and the pursuit of Saul, we come that part where David finds Saul right in the palm of his hand. A simple thrust of the sword would have ended it all. But David's heart was filled for compassion for the man who Saul had once been. And in that moment of compassion, David showed mercy to Saul and let him live.

And likewise Jesus. Jesus could have saved Himself from the pain and suffering of death. With the nod of His head or the lifting of a finger, Jesus could have ended all the suffering and pain. He could have put an end to it. But instead, he willingly suffered death on the cross because His heart was filled with compassion and love for the whole world.

Maybe you saw Friday's comics. In the comic strip B.C., the characters B.C., Peter and the Fat Broad, are talking. B.C. asks, "Would you lay down your life for someone else?" Peter says, "That would be pretty stupid." And the woman says, "Yeah, why would we do that?"

In the next panel B.C. says, "What if you loved someone SO much, you would give your life to save them?" Peter says, " . . you mean, like would I die in THEIR place?" And the woman says, ". . so THEY wouldn't HAVE TO?"

Peter replies, "BINGO!" Peter says, "Nobody has that much love!" The woman says, "And if anyone did, I'd sure hate to lose him!"

And there stands Clumsy, holding a small cross, and he says, "Well, guys, I've got good news and good news." (2)

Jesus willingly suffered death on the cross because His heart was filled with compassion and love for the whole world. That's the Good News. That's the reason for both the crucifixion and the resurrection.

In showing mercy by sparing Saul's life, and in other aspects of his early life, with God's help, David was victorious in his own soul. On the Cross of Calvary, Jesus was not only victorious in His own soul, but He was victorious for OUR souls.

E. FINALLY: David gave thanks to God for sparing him both in battle and in his spiritual life. He gave thanks for the redemption had had experienced and the grace that God had shown him time and again. And Jesus gave thanks to God for raising Him from the dead that we could see that sin and death have been defeated, once and for all.

So, you see, there are lots of parallels between the lives of David and Jesus. The main difference is, although David was king, there were times when he fell to temptation and failed. But Jesus, though tempted beyond any temptation that you and I will ever know, Jesus never fell to temptation. He was obedient and faithful even unto death on a cross. He never wavered. Not once. Not ever.

And that's why He defeated sin and death. That's why He is "King Of The Hill."

II. JESUS AND US:

But being "King Of The Hill" wasn't enough for Jesus. If that were the only reason then this day would have no real meaning and the Gravy Song would have no power. The reason being "King Of The Hill" wasn't enough is that Jesus wants to be "King Of Our Lives" not just "King Of The Hill." You see, they two are dependent upon one another.

Jesus IS "King Of The Hill." Nothing will ever change that. But in order for that to have any meaning in our lives, Jesus has to be "King Of Our Lives." Otherwise it's just a nice story, with a surprising twist at the end.

But when Jesus is "King Of Our Lives" it takes on a much deeper significance. When Jesus is "King Of Our Lives", our lives take on a whole new meaning. And we discover that the stone sealing the tomb wasn't rolled away so Jesus could get out. No! No stone could have held Him in that grave. No, the stone was rolled aside so we could get in. So, we could get in and see the burial clothes folded up neatly like the owner had just been awakened from a short nap and was tidying up before going outside again. The stone was rolled away so that we could get into the tomb and see for ourselves that it IS empty. So that we could see for ourselves that sin and death have been defeated.

Jesus didn't submit to the pain of the cross just to win a game. Jesus wasn't obedient to God just so we could call Him "King Of The Hill." Jesus willingly gave Himself up for us to set us free from our captivity to sin and death. Jesus willingly took on the pain of our sin and the horror of our death, the penalty for sin, so that we wouldn't have to. Through His suffering and His death Jesus offers us new life. This new life won't be free from pain or struggles or questions.

This new life won't be one of glamour and prestige, these are things Jesus didn't seek. Instead it will be a life of service and sacrifice. But in this life, Jesus offers us a life free from the weight and burden of sin and free from the fear of death. Jesus offers us forgiveness and new life.

CONCLUSION:

Friday's Wizard of Id has the King questioning the Padre. They are standing in front of the church sign which proclaims "Good Friday." The King says, "Lemme get this straight . . . God comes to earth as one of us . . . and we kill Him?"

The Padre says, "That's right."

The King goes on, "Your Lord is dead! ... there's a big earthquake, and the curtain of the Temple is torn from top to bottom!"

The Padre says, "Right again."

Then the King asks, "What the heck is so GOOD about THAT?"

And the Padre responds, "His curtain call." (3)

Today is Jesus' Curtain Call. The Romans and the conspirators thought death would be "King of the Hill" that day. Death stood there, proud and haughty. Hands resting on hips like superman. Chest thrown out in pride. Eyes surveying all that surrounded it. It all belonged to death now. Jesus was dead and gone and there was nothing to stop death from ruling the world.

Sin on the other hand, couldn't control itself. It began to dance at the foot of the cross, cavorting like a fool. And then it began to laugh hysterically. A laugh so loud the sky turned black in pain and shame. A laugh so loud the curtain of the Temple was split in two.

But while death was gloating, while sin was cackling in uncontrollable laughter, they didn't hear the slow rise of the Gravy Song. They didn't hear the low rumble of the stone as it rolled from in front of the tomb. They didn't see the light of a new dawn and a new day begin to break over the horizon.

But they DID see Jesus' Curtain Call. The whole world erupted in the Gravy Song as Jesus rose from the dead. Sin and Death fled in terror as Jesus stepped forth from the tomb and became the true "King Of The Hill."

We've been to the empty tomb. We've seen the stone rolled away. We've seen there is no body in the tomb. All we have to do now is venture in our hearts and minds to the foot of the cross on that Hill known as Calvary and proclaim Jesus not only "King Of The Hill" but "King Of Our Lives."

That's the challenge. That's the purpose of it all. And when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, as "King Of Our Lives" then the singing of the "Gravy Song" will take on a whole new meaning.

Jesus, the "King Of The Hill" died for you and was raised from the dead to offer you forgiveness and give you new life. He wants to be "King Of Your Life" and gave the precious gift of Himself for your sake. What will you do with such a precious gift?

1. R. Douglas Reinard, June 1989, The Christian Herald.

2. B.C. by Johnny Hart, April 13, 2001 (Creators Syndicate, Inc.)

3. Wizard of Id by Brant Parker & Johnny Hart, April 13, 2001 (Creators Syndicate, Inc.)

4.