Risen Reality

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  And when He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord... And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book:  but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name” (John 20:19-31). 

The day began with those who sorrowed;

Their Lord was slain three days before. 

His tomb at last was only borrowed;  

He didn’t need it anymore!  

The day concluded in the room

Where His disciples sought to hide,

When Jesus, risen from the tomb,

Then came and showed His hands and side.

Their sorrow had been turned to gladness,

Exactly as their Savior said! 

The Lord then swept away their sadness,

For He was risen from the dead! 

And many other signs He did

Before and after resurrection.

They were not in a corner hid;

His deeds were open for inspection. 

Yet God selected words and deeds

To then be written that sufficed

To draw each one who humbly reads

To trust alone in Jesus Christ. 

All those believing in His name,

Receiving Him as Lord and Savior,

Are ransomed from their sin and shame

And saved forever by His favor!

O risen Lord, receive our thanks

For saving us in our distress! 

We join the grateful and adoring ranks

Now robed in Your own righteousness!

O Lord, You died to set us free

And rose as Victor from the grave!

How sweet is the reality

That You are risen now to save!