Because He Lives

Over the past two days I read through the book of John in my Bible and the amazing stories that are found in it. I've been "reading" my Bible for many years now, at least since I learned to read and it was as if I read it for the very first time. So many wonderful accounts of Jesus' life were brought to such clarity for me and even the glorious ending when he visits his disciples after he rose from the dead. This got me to thinking about how wonderful it will be when all His people are reunited in Heaven and we will get to be with those who have gone before us. When I think of this kind of thing, my mind often thinks of music...

I was reminded of my junior high years... I had befriended an old man named Leonard who also attended the church I grew up in. It's been many years since he has gone to be with the Lord now but the memories I shared with him are still really clear. There was just something warm and welcoming in his eyes and we spent many hours visiting. Some of these hours included me visiting him and his wife in their house with music. I would play my flute, his wife would play piano and he would sing. I'd bring my family's old hymnal and play whatever he wanted. This particular song was one of my (and actually one of his) favorites and it was played on a weekly basis. When I think of the power the lyrics hold, I am moved to tears that Christ loves me SO much. He lived, He died, He bought my pardon! What a gift! And then the joyous end... "I'll see the lights of GLORY and I'll know He lives." I don't need to fear, I can deal with tomorrows, my future is in His hands! 

Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives! 

Chorus

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives! 

Chorus

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives! 

Chorus

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!