Music Monday Special: An Easter Medley (Living hope/because he lives/praise the name/forever)
by: Debbie Waltz
Happy late Easter, Dear Reader~
I hope everybody had time to enjoy Easter with their friends and family; I know the week of Easter may be hard for some dealing with the grief of a family member’s passing, but isn’t it wonderful knowing that death was conquered by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? So many people fail to recognize the power of the day. Yes, it was great that Jesus was born and healed many people during his ministry here on earth, but the cross is why he came. Really.. Like I said on Monday, all this had to happen to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah and in the Bible.
Phil Wickham’s song “Living Hope” reminds us He bore all our sins and reconciled us to Himself. There is no longer a veil between God and us as long as we ask anything in His name and believe it will be done if it is in His Will. It is by His grace that we are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 says: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (NIV)
Bill and Gloria Gaither’s “Because He Lives” reminds us of the significance of the Power God displayed on that Easter Sunday. Jesus conquered death, just like he said he would. In that one miraculous act, he set us free from our sins-past present and future. But, more importantly, he made a way for us to spend eternity with Him as believers in Heaven. Yes, John 16:33 reminds us that there will be trouble in this world, but not to lose hope. It says: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” It is important to remember this world is not our home. Our home is with Jesus and we are just passing through this world to get to the next. Just like it says in I Chronicles 29:15: “We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as well as our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.” But there is hope. Whatever we may face in this world pales compared to anything we will experience in Heaven. There, there will be no more pain, no more suffering, and endless worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Hillsong Worship’s “O Praise The Name” gives us a glimpse of what we might feel upon His Triumphant Return. While “Forever” by Kari Jobi does the same. I believe each of the songs will reach you wherever you are on life’s difficult journey and give you renewed strength for whatever the future may hold.
God bless,
Debbie
The music can be accessed here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkG2Gl1AhYI&list=RDhkG2Gl1AhYI&start_radio=1