Because He Lives
I accepted Christ as my personal saviour many years ago. On the day I made the commitment I was invited to choose a song for the congregation to sing. I chose one of my all time favourite hymns Because He Lives.
Recently, someone asked me what resurrection means to me and although I have participated in many Bible Studies, Sermons, Sabbath Schools and personal reflections about my faith since that decision many years ago, I am embarrassed to admit that it has been quite some time since I have contemplated what Jesus’ resurrection actually means to me.
It wasn’t until a few years after my decision that I learned the story behind the hymn that I chose. I was surprised when I learned the song was penned by Gloria and William Gaither. Gaither Music was a staple playing in the VCR on a Saturday afternoon in my formative years.
Anyway, as I remember it, William was recovering from a bout of mononucleosis and Gloria was expecting their third child. It was the late 1960s and Gloria recalled that in the wider community drug abuse was rife, racial tensions were ever present and the idea of God was no longer being taught in educational institutions. It was a period of emotional and mental turmoil for Gloria. The thought of bringing a child into a world under these circumstances was almost too much for her.
However, one night she felt God’s loving, reassuring presence upon her. She felt confident that, left to God, the future would be bright. William and Gloria remembered that night shortly after the baby was born and reflected on how life conquers death. These circumstances gave rise to the song Because He Lives.
When I am asked what the resurrection means to me I think of the final lines of this song: ‘Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living just because He lives.’ Jesus’ death, even more so, His resurrection, was the fulfilment of the ultimate promise. In these uncertain times I would encourage you to read John chapter 14 in which Jesus comforts His disciples in an uncertain future.
