April 17, 2022
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OR
Matthew 28:5-6
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Mark 16:19
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into Heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
There’s a famous song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither, and that has been recorded and sang by many called Because He Lives. The Gaithers wrote this beautiful and timeless song in the 1960s amid war, social upheaval, uncertainty, and their own personal struggles. The lyrics are about living a life of promise and hope, fulfilled through Jesus’ resurrection.
The first verse is a declaration that God sent His Son, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and He, Jesus, came to love, heal, and forgive. Just as John 3:16 states- For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The verse ends with an affirmation of Jesus’ unyielding compassion, love, mercy, and grace, in that He lived and died to buy my pardon, your pardon, to acquit me and you of all our sins, leaving an empty grave to prove that He lives.
Next is the chorus, which is undoubtedly the most memorable part of the song, highlighting the inspirational title of the song. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know that He, Jesus Christ, holds the future, life is worth living, just because He lives. No matter what you’re going through, life is worth living. It’s worth it to keep on going, keep on believing, keep on fighting, keep on truckin, as they used to say, to see what’s around the corner, to see the blessings that Jesus has for you further on up the road. Yes, life is worth living because the Savior lives.
The second verse, referencing the Gaither’s experience with their own newborn baby, starts off with the sweetness of holding a newborn baby and the joy and pride that he or she gives. The verse ends with pointing out that even greater than the experience of a newborn baby is the calm assurance that we can face uncertain days because Jesus lives. As Philippians 4:7 states And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
And then we’re back to the chorus Because He Lives I can face tomorrow… But I’m gonna change things up a bit and let you know that because Jesus lives, you can not only face tomorrow, but you can face right now, because sometimes we have those ‘right now’ moments, where we say Lord, I need You right now. I can’t wait another second, minute, hour, or until tomorrow. I’m here to tell you that because Jesus lives, because we serve a risen Savior, You can face whatever challenges you have today. Jesus is Lord of all and the Master of all time. You will make it. You can go the distance. You will overcome. You are a Conqueror. You have the victory over sin, shame, doubt, fear, uncertainty, sickness, finances- you have the victory over it all. All who choose to serve Jesus, you have the victory over everything and everyone, and you have divine peace in the sweet, sweet name of Jesus. How? Because He Lives.
Please join me in this prayer,
Dear Father God,
Thank You Lord for sending Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins and the sins of all mankind. Thank You Lord Jesus, for being a willing sacrifice for me and the whole world. You didn’t have to do it Lord, but You did because You love us so. Even in our mess, You love us and chose to give Your life so that we can be set free. And Lord, I thank You that because You live, I am no longer bound to anything or anyone. I thank You Lord for blessed hope and assurance that no power can hold me down, because You conquered it all, including death. Thank You Jesus! Lord, I thank You that through You I can do all things. Nothing is impossible for me, and life is most certainly worth living, Lord, all because You live. And Lord, as we remember those who are mourning this Easter, because they have lost a loved one- whether it has been one yesterday, or many yesterdays ago, the pain they feel may be unbearable. Lord please be with them, and through the Holy Spirit, give them the comfort and strength that only You can give and peace that surpasses all understanding. Lord, let them know that because You live, they too can face right now, today, and all their tomorrows. We thank You Lord.
In Jesus most holy and precious name we pray, thank God,
Amen
Copyright © 2022 Dr. Lou Ella V. Taylor PhD, CNS, RN
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