This past Sunday, I worshipped as most of you did, via live-streaming at my home church. With our traditional worship style, Pastor introduces the opening and sermon hymns each week with a bit of a history lesson about the composers, sharing a little about his or her life and the 'story' behind the song. As we prepared to sing the sermon hymn, Pastor shared that this song, written by Gloria Gaither, was probably the most contemporary hymn we will ever sing. It was written as the Gaithers were facing the uncertainties of Bill's health and an unexpected pregnancy. The song begins with these words, "God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus", followed by the refrain:
And 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.
You see, I was a huge fan of Bill and Gloria Gaither in the early years of my Christian walk. I would listen to their cassette tape - yes, I know I am dating myself - over and over again. And, just as the simple truth of these words touched my heart years ago, so to the refrain played continually in my mind throughout Sunday afternoon, bringing peace and calm and assurance!
Even in this time of so many uncertainties, we can hold fast to the truth of God!
"I know that my Redeemer lives." Job 19:25
Because He lives, we are not alone! Because He lives, we do not need to fear! Because He lives, our lives are worth living! And because He lives, our futures are secure! And for that, we will praise Him! Amen!
-Lynne Rose, School Ministries Early Childhood Consultant