Happy and blessed Monday after Easter!
Holy Week is always an emotional week for me. I know the history, I know the reasoning behind “Good” Friday, so why is it just so sad??
I have read the story numerous times. I know that it is a prophecy fulfilled. But mostly what completely overwhelms me is to think about the torture, humiliation and horrific death that Jesus suffered because of my sins, and yours.
He did that for us. I have loved a lot, but have I loved like that?
Good Friday. Yes, I understand but Black Friday sets on my heart. He died! I know He is resurrected, but He died for you and me! Saturday rolls around and I am numb… I know He’s coming back, but right now my Jesus is dead.
Then Sunday comes. What would it feel like to go to the tomb and find the stone rolled away?? Can it be true?? He said in three days…
Then, you hear His voice! His precious voice that you thought you would never hear again.
He’s Alive
Dolly Parton
The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin’ through
To drag us all away
And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
And a voice began to call
I hurried to the window
Looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers’ feet
But there was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told me where she’d been
She said they’ve moved him in the night
And none of us knows where
The stone’s been rolled away
And now his body isn’t there
So we both ran towards the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet, they wrapped him in
Was just an empty shell
And how or where they’d taken him
Was more than I could tell
Oh, something strange had happened there
Just what I did not know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn’t lift me very high
‘Cause I’d seen them crucify him
Then I saw him die
Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I’d promised him
Just added to my shame
When at last it came to choices
I denied I knew his name
And even if he was alive
It wouldn’t be the same
But suddenly the air was filled
With a strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With his arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And I just clung to him and cried
Then he raised me to my feet
And as I looked into his eyes
The love was shining out from him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I’d ever had
Just melted into peace
He’s alive, yes he’s alive
Yes, he’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive (he’s alive), yes he’s alive (he’s alive)
Oh, he’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive, he’s alive
Hallelujah, he’s alive
He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive (he’s alive), he’s alive (he’s alive)
He’s alive
I believe it, he’s alive
Sweet Jesus