Resurrection Day
Because You’re risen I can rise
Because You’re living I’m alive
Because Your cross is powerful
Because You rose invincible
I can get up off the floor
This is my resurrection day
Nothing’s gonna hold me in the grave
This is my resurrection day
Nothing’s gonna hold me down
Say goodbye to my yesterdays
Ever since I met You I am changed
This is my resurrection day
Nothing’s gonna hold me down
Because You rolled my stone away
Because my debt has all been paid
Because You stand in victory
Because You crushed the enemy
I can get up off the floor (get up off the floor)
This is my resurrection day
Nothing’s gonna hold me in the grave
This is my resurrection day
Nothing’s gonna hold me down
Say goodbye to my yesterdays
Ever since I met You I am changed
This is my resurrection day
Nothing’s gonna hold me down
The good news is the good news
‘Cause You chose the rugged cross
The good news is the good news
‘Cause You rose up from the dust
Your gospel is the power
That is saving all of us
So, I can get up off the floor
Come on, get up off the floor
Words and music by Bryan Fowler / Christoper Llewellyn / Gareth Gilkeson / Jonathan Lindley Smith © Capitol Christian Music Group CCLI 879072
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.’” John 11.25, NASB
The cemetery is not the place we expect to find miracles. There is a finality that settles over us as we even pull onto the premises. That was the case for Mary and Martha. Their brother had just died and the One they believed could have prevented it showed up four days late!
The scenario is actually not that hard to imagine, is it? Whether it is because someone close to us passed away (as happened with Mary and Martha) or because something entered our lives unexpected, we have all had that moment of, “If Jesus had only been here, this wouldn’t have happened.” That’s when He shows up and reminds us of Who He is!
One of the greatest promises of our faith rests in these words of Jesus. We have hope beyond this life because of Who He is. Now, in the midst of a cemetery, during a funeral service, after the decay of death has set in, Jesus shows what life is about. Jesus performs a miracle.
The resurrection of Lazarus from the dead speaks of the power Jesus truly has. It is not just power for today or for this life. This is a power that goes beyond life itself. He doesn’t say, “I am the power of resurrection” or “I am the power for life.” Certainly He does have power and He does offer for us to live in that power. But, it isn’t just that He has power to do things or raise Lazarus.
Lazarus was not the only resurrection from the dead in the Bible. Elijah, Elisha, Peter, and Paul all raised people from the dead. They had power, but they were not the power. Jesus isn’t just the power, but the true source. Jesus isn’t just foreshadowing His own resurrection, He is telling us why His resurrection will happen…He IS the resurrection and he IS the life!
We all want more out of life. Jesus offers more than what we could imagine. He offers hope that satisfies deep. He offers joy that carries beyond our deepest hurts and our darkest days. He gives us the brightest view of the world around us.
Maybe He didn’t show up in that circumstance we know He could have prevented. But, maybe He wants us to lean into Him, into His life, into His presence because of who He is, not just what He could do. Is He your life?
Pray: Lord Jesus, You have offered such a rich understanding of life. It is easy for me to make it about the stuff around me, the circumstances that surround me, and the people near me. Show me how to make it about You. Thank You for Your grace and Your joy. May it satisfy me today. May I find life in You.