UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE

      The ordinance of baptism is a beautiful symbol of new life in Christ as the believer identifies with Jesus and proclaims the gospel message of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4). Every time I have participated in baptism, whether as a pastor or as an observer, I am reminded of the collective response of one particular church with which I am familiar. As the new believer was emerging from the depths of the water, the choir and congregation would sing…

 

“Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er his foes;

He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign: 

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose! “

 

      Robert Lowry wrote the words to the great hymn “Christ Arose” following his evening devotions during the Easter season in 1874. While contemplating the significance of Luke’s account of Jesus’ resurrection, Lowry read “He is not here; he is risen! Remember how he told you while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day rise again’” (24:6-7).             

      The words “He is not here; he is risen” so stirred Lowry that he sat down at the little pump organ in his parlor and wrote both the words and the music to this meaningful hymn. Although the first stanza strikes a rather dismal chord and a note of hopelessness permeates the second verse, both the chorus and the third verse explode with a message of victory and joy!

      With Easter Sunday coming soon, we celebrate that “Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Savior! He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!” Why do we rejoice? Because…

       “Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er his foes;

He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign:

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”

Dear Heavenly Father, Victory over sin came through Jesus’ death on a cruel cross! Victory over death came when Jesus emerged from the tomb! His sacrificial expression of love allows sinners like me to be victorious also. Thank you! Amen.

                                   Daniel