Because He Lives!

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    The words to the Gaither hymn, "Because He Lives," have been rolling through my mind this week.  At many difficult points in my life, the lyrics to this song have encouraged my heart, bolstered my faith and brought me peace by turning my focus back to the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus. 

"Because He lives I can face tomorrow.  Because He lives all fear is gone!  Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He LIVES!"
~Bill and Gloria Gaither
 
    As we look to the celebration of this pivotal event this week, it is a beautiful exercise to review what the resurrection means to each one of us who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.  It is more than a yearly excuse to get together with family and eat a delicious dinner. It is far more than chocolate and pretty eggs.  
Why is the fact that Jesus walked out of that grave three days after His death significant to you and I today?

    It proves that Jesus Is who He said He was. 
   For Jesus to be God and to fulfill all of the prophecy of the Old Testament, He had to come out of that stone tomb! Romans 1:4 tells us that Jesus was declared to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead. This miracle of defeating death was foretold by the prophets, and Jesus himself. Because of the resurrection, we can trust that Jesus is who He said He was: the Son of God, who holds all power in His hands!  We can trust Him without reservation. He is the God of the Universe, and He proved it by rising from the dead on the third day!
    It is pivotal to our redemption.
    Romans 4:25 tells us that our justification rests on Jesus' resurrection. Jesus paid the redemption price on the cross, and His power over death is what allows Him to convey to us that righteousness that only He possesses. Without the resurrection, we would have no hope of eternity in communion with our Creator. This resurrection power allows us to enter the Holy of Holies without shame or reservation, covered in the righteousness of Jesus.  How beautiful and how humbling. How amazing is His love for us!
    It allows us to walk with Him today!
    Romans 6:4 is so beautiful:  

Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism, into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead, through the glory of the Father, then, we too, may walk in newness of life. 

We get to walk in newness of life now!  That is not some future, pie-in-the-sky, wishful dream.  This is a gift for each of us redeemed by the blood and the power of the resurrection.  Because He lives, you and I can walk in communion with our Creator here on earth -- through His power! We do not have to wait for Heaven to experience this blessing.  He allows us to share in this communion now. How beautiful and marvelous is that?? 
    It is the certainty for our future, physical resurrection
   Romans 8:13 tells us that because Jesus rose from the dead, we will also rise one day.  We have His spirit in us -- the same Spirit that Jesus had!  This is more than just a hope -- it is a promise that is certain because of the resurrection power of Jesus. What a day that will be! 

    This week of reflection on the passion, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus should bring us to our knees in worship and awe of our Savior.  He is Worthy! May the resurrection power of our Lord bring you peace and joy as you walk with Him today!  Because He Lives!

Soli Deo Gloria!
Heather Sparks

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