Because He lives!
“Because He Lives” (1971) was written in the midst of social upheaval, threats of war, and betrayals of national and personal trust. It was into this world, at such a time, that we were bringing our third little baby. Assassinations, drug traffic, and war monopolized the headlines. It was in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that the assurance of the Lordship of the risen Christ…
—The Gaithers
As I encourage us to engage the Word of God this week, I felt our theme should rest on the fact that Jesus is alive. This was announced by the angel at the tomb and sent shockwaves through the women, the disciples, and the greater area of Judea for years to come.
“Because He lives” moves the resurrection account from a historical fact to a personal response. Because He lives, my life looks different. What this song is declaring by all who sing it is this: I believe in the One who can conquer death itself. This changes everything!
Today, I invite you to read from John 20 as you remind yourself of that resurrection account.
John 20:1-18
20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
What does it mean to you that Jesus lives?
What hope, peace, confidence, or assurance do you feel when you read this truth?
Link to a phenomenal song by Ashley Lagunas reminding us what that day must have felt like for Mary Magdalene. https://youtu.be/ETV221Cj5iY
