Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember, how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” (Luke 24:5–7)

Sadly, many Christians only contemplate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ during Easter time, but this truth is central to our faith, and we should continually praise God for raising Christ from the dead. According to 1 Corinthians 15, if the Resurrection did not occur, then our faith is futile, we are false witnesses of God, we are to be pitied above all men, the dead are gone forever, and we are still in our sins. However, since we serve the risen Savior, our faith is not in vain, Christ lives forever to intercede for us, we have the sure hope of eternal life in an imperishable body, death will eventually die, evil will be conquered forever, and we can live joyfully regardless of circumstances.

Charles Wesley understood these truths. One of the most prolific hymn-writers in history, with about 6,500 songs to his credit, Wesley rejoiced in the truths of the Resurrection. This particular hymn was written for the inaugural service in the Foundry Meeting House—the first Wesleyan chapel.

Even if you’ve done it before, I encourage you to read the Resurrection accounts in all four Gospels and then read 1 Corinthians 15. Charles Wesley proclaimed “Alleluia” (“Praise the Lord”) after each line of this hymn because he rejoiced in the truths found in these passages and encouraged others to praise God for the Resurrection of His Son.

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply: Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Dying once He all doth save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Today’s big idea: we should rejoice daily because Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia!

What to pray: praise God for raising His Son from the dead and for the gift of eternal life with the Savior.