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Hello!
Easter weekend was just a while back, so I'd like to open with this thought: Why is Good Friday good? In light of the bleakness of Christ's death on the Cross, shouldn't it be called Bad Friday?
Think about it this way: We once owed a debt, but now that debt has been paid for. We once had to die, but now we can live. We once were slaves, but now we have true freedom. How'd you feel? Good!
If the story had ended with Good Friday, though, it might not have been that good after all, because the magnitude of the loss might be overwhelming. But no, the death of Jesus is followed by His triumphant resurrection – and for that we celebrate Easter Sunday.
The resurrection isn't just a show or demonstration of God's power. Its impact is far greater than that: we know that Christ is not dead, and is not bound by the grave. We know that Christ has defeated death once and for all. And because of that, Christ is alive!
And notice this: an alive Christ is a present Christ. This means that the living incarnation of Victory is with us wherever we go. So while Easter may be a once-a-year event, its repercussions definitely extend far beyond the few days when we ruminate on Christ's death and resurrection. I hope you can take a few moments to chew on that – isn't it wonderful!
– alvin(:
If you think about it, the Cross as a symbol of Christianity makes no logical sense: it is a symbol that marks our Saviour's suffering and death. But at the same time, we know that it is a symbol that marks our Saviour's glorious victory. Jeremy Treat writes about the glory of the Cross and how God's power is made perfect in weakness, and this article is a very good overview of what "glory" means in context.
David Wesley – How Deep the Father's Love For Us
You may or may not be familiar with this contemporary hymn written by Stuart Townend, but its rich lyrics and narrative arc make it ideal for contemplation and meditation. This a capella rendition by David Wesley, and I hope this song can speak into the depths of your heart as you consider Christ's sacrifice on the Cross.
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Jon Foreman – Revenge
Jon Foreman is the frontman of alt-rock band Switchfoot, and his solo work explores themes closer to his heart, such as theology and love. "Revenge", off his EP Spring, is the intersection of these, and speaks of the crucifixion from the perspective of one of the other criminals hung up beside Jesus (Luke 23:39–43). The unembellished instrumentation and raw lyrics make for a gripping song anchored by a plodding guitar in its 3/4 waltz. This song really illustrates the sheer incredibility of our justification through Christ's death, and that fantastical switch-up of perspective makes it one of my favourite songs ever.
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Story – No One In His Grave
Story Worship is a collective that releases a free worship song (complete with its chord chart) every month, and they have a sound that is really authentic – listening to their music makes you feel as if you were sitting in the same room and worshipping alongside them. "No One In His Grave" is taken from their first annual compilation, Year One, and focuses on the victory of the cross: Christ's defeat of death, and our corresponding freedom from sin. It has an anthemic and declarative feel that rouses listeners to proclaim that God is risen – take a listen for yourself! You can find all their music here.
Also by Story: Anchor, I Know You're God
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I leave you with a thought: Christ's death on the Cross is also a prelude to his Second Coming. Rev 19:11a says, "And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True" – God's faithfulness and truth gives as a basis upon which we can found our faith. We know what is to come, and that is what gives us an undying hope.
Over and out!
EUPHOR!A // ISSUE 08 // MAR–APR 2016