SIGHTINGS: Finding Your Story in the Pages of Scripture, Sunday, April 16, 2017, Easter Sunday
Alive!
By David Palmer
25-February, 2006
First streak of sun’s fire alights the black sky
As on the First Day of this world’s existence,
Not, “Let there be Light,” but, “Son, Let there be Life!”
From betwixt night and day came forth One Shining,
In might, tossed the stone, Death feebly entwining
The form of the ONE it could not claim. The Strife
Ended before it began. Magnificence,
Majesty Strode Forth, mighty Victory’s cry!
Proven to be Son of God with ALL POWER
Hell’s Gates battered down, broken asunder
Captives long held there, He led in procession
Up to the Throne of His Father. Confessions
Poured forth from the Angels rejoicing. Praise
The Redeemer, Lamb Slain, Forever Raised!
(C) 2006, 2017 David W. Palmer
When He spoke before at the dawn of time, it was to bring Light out of darkness, form out of void, and a universe of wonder out of chaos. This time, the Creator has stepped back onto the center stage of existence and proclaimed —”This is the first day of the rest of your Eternity!!!” Before this day, death was a very formidable foe. As Shakespeare said so eloquently, “No man has gone into that country and come back to tell about it.” Therefore, conscience, and fear of what lies beyond, makes cowards of us all. Death is the enemy that separates us from the dear faces we love, robs us untimely of our children, laughs at our hopes and plans, is the dark shadow hiding in the corner of every birthday party, reminding us that this milestone just brings us one step closer to his evil clutches.
But today, all that changes. Physically, our bodies still wear out and decay. But now, we know a new destination for our eternal soul, and we see the ultimate redemption plan for our bodies. We know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope, purifies Himself, even as He [Jesus] is pure” (1 John 3:2-3). We shall live with a body very much like His, and our soul and body shall be bonded for eternity with a bond that will never break. All because of this day!
-- Pastor Dave, Easter Sunday, April 16, 2006
[Just as true for me today, as it was when I signed this then]
“I serve a Risen Savior. He’s in the world today! I know that He is living, whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer. And just the time I need Him, He’s always near. He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, he lives, salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives. He lives within my heart.” — Alfred H. Ackley, 1933
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