He Rose, and So Shall I

A blood test last week showed a dramatic increase in just under two months of sarcoma tumor cells being released into my blood stream.  A scan has been ordered to see if there are any spots where radiation might be effective in relieving symptoms. While this news was disappointing,  I was grateful that it came on Easter  weekend.  What a great reminder that Jesus died and rose from the dead and is even now preparing a place in heaven for me!
My son Christopher in a Sunday school lesson Easter morning said this, "The cross and Resurrection change everything not only because of the redemption from individual sin made possible, but because the resurrection is Jesus’ triumph over death, the devil, and all the spiritual powers arrayed against God. All the power and fear of sin and death that entered the world in Adam's sin have been broken because of Jesus’ resurrection."  The Sting of death is gone. Christ is risen and death will be overthrown. Christ is risen! He reigns and so will I.

So many Good Friday and Easter hymns have special meaning for me this year. Here are a few verses that particularity struck me.

 

My prayer is the third verse of O Sacred Head, Now Wounded:

 

What language shall I borrow
To thank thee, dearest Friend
For this, thy dying sorrow
Thy pity without end?
Oh, make me thine forever
And should I fainting be
Lord, let me never, never
Outlive my love to thee

My joy is the third verse of What Wondrous Love Is This,

 

And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be
And through eternity, I'll sing on, I'll sing on
And through eternity, I'll sing on

 

And so sing with me these words from  Lift Up, Lift Up Your Voices Now

 

Lift up, lift up your voices now;
The whole wide world rejoices now:
The Lord hath triumphed gloriously,
The Lord shall reign victoriously.

In vain with stone the cave they barred;
In vain the watch kept ward and guard:
Majestic from the spoiled tomb,
In pomp of triumph Christ is come.

He binds in chains the ancient foe;
A countless host he frees from woe,
And heav'n's high portal open flies,
For Christ has ris'n, and man shall rise.

And all he did, and all he bare,
He gives us as our own to share;
And hope and joy and peace begin,
For Christ has won, and man shall win.

O Victor, aid us in the fight,
And lead through death to realms of light:
We safely pass where thou hast trod;
In thee we die to rise to God.

Thy flock, from sin and death set free,
Glad alleluias raise to thee;
And ever with the heavenly host

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghos