Easter-Inspired Alleluias REPOST

Resurrection

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!

Christ the Lord is Risen Today
By: Charles Wesley, 1707-1778

Listen as you read.  This is a short but beautiful cello version.

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Having just celebrated the resurrection, we are going to spend the next four weeks considering this great Easter hymn.  So that we can be ready to continue to offer our “Alleluia’s” through this season, let’s consider several implications of the Resurrection. Let’s tune our hearts.

We Praise You God!

Alleluia or Hallelujah!

Some of our traditions sweeten the “Alleluia” of Easter morning by not saying or singing that word for several weeks preceding Easter.  The intent is two-fold I would say.  First, it causes a sense of anticipation in the worshipper and second, it symbolizes a degree of the longing that the Hebrew people had as they awaited the coming of the Messiah, or Anointed One.  If you are from one of those traditions, you might not have even been aware of this intentional choice, but all the same have experienced the heightened joy when that first Alleluia is uttered Easter morning.

It is also heightened by the sheer fact that if there ever was a morning that the redeemed people of God want to say “Alleluia” it is this morning.  After all, Alleluia simply means “We praise You, God” and on this morning of mornings our praise rises rightly to our Redeemer King, for even though we celebrate His resurrection every time we gather, we absolutely do on Easter.

While “Alleluia” is an appropriate response to every line of this of hymn, and every other stanza for that matter,  there is something unique about the way it is used in this stanza.  This is particularly true of lines two and four, where, rather than simply being an exclamation at the end of the line, it is actually an integral part of those lines.  What are the sons of men and angels instructed to say?  Alleluia.  Even the very heavens and the earth are instructed to sing and reply this simple declaration of praise.  We will look at the first of those here, and the other Thursday, but we first will begin with our title line.

Risen

What we celebrate on Easter is nothing less than the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after He had been crucified for our sins and buried.  Our faith hinges on this truth.  As Paul said in I Corinthians 15:3-4.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

We have become so accustomed to this eternity-altering reality, that, dare I say, we take it for granted.  And that is unfortunate not only because we loose the wonder of it, but we can actually begin to loose sight of the impact and implications.

Jesus Running Out of the Tomb

In the resurrection, Jesus is demonstrating victory over not only the grave, but sin and death as well.  Not only that, but as you read further in 1 Corinthians 15, you realize that Jesus was the firstborn from among the dead, and that we too will rise for “death has been swallowed up in victory.”  I encourage you to read that passage at the link and allow it to refresh your perspective like this image refreshed mine.

Here, Jesus appears to be running out of the tomb, with grave clothes flying in every direction.  I love the energy of this.  I am not arguing that this is what it must have looked like, as much as I am challenging a fresh look at an ancient truth.  Did you nice the holes in His hand and foot?

As you walk along on this side of Easter, are you willing to see the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a new light?  If you are, I am confident it will do nothing but strengthen the “Alleluia” you offer with the angels, son (or daughter) of men.

Singing with the Angels

Sons of men and angels say…

They have been offering Him praise since the dawn of creation.  We came along much later in the timeline.

They are ever-circling His throne to offer that same praise.  We often fail to do so even though we have the same access.

They really do not need to be told to praise Him since they are His servants.  We do, even though we are His sons and daughters.

Still, in response to His resurrection, we are instructed to offer the same simple word of worship, Alleluia!  So will you?

Happy Tuning!

Jesus, I know You are worthy of all the “Alleluias” I could bring.  Help me to sing them, say them, and live them, always in response to Your resurrection power.  I will praise You!   In Jesus name.  Amen.

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Video 40.1 Transcript, 5.1 Reframed

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

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!

Never has there been a line which should evoke the praises of God’s people more than that which declares our Savior and Lord is risen from the dead.  Give praise to God today for the Good News that death has been defeated!

Jesus, I praise You for defeating death.

When you offer your “Alleluia”, it becomes a part of the great cacophony of praise begun in ages past by other mere mortals like yourself, and even further back by those who have circled the throne since before the dawn of time.  Thank Him that you get to join that song.

Father, thank You for letting me join the “Alleluia”.

If you have any joys or triumphs, they are, each and every one, demonstrations of God’s victory best displayed in Christ’s resurrection.  Recount a few right now, and lift them all to Him in praise for what He has done.  Then spend the rest of your days adding to them.

God, remind me of joys and triumphs and help me raise them.

Now that is a call to worship if there ever was one. “Start us off heaven, and earth, let’s hear your response.”  How will you echo the praises of heaven today?

Spirit, help me echo the praises of heaven.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, be Resonant.

Led to Calvary, Through Gethsemane

Even Thy cup of grief to share

May I be willing Lord to bear
Daily my cross for Thee
Even Thy cup of grief to share
Thou hast borne all for me

Lead Me to Calvary 1921
By: Jennie Evelyn Hussey (1834 – 1925)

Listen to this simple version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we conclude our journey through this hymn of commitment and our approach to Easter make time to ponder this text and all it communicates. Let’s think about this.

Gethsemane

In the garden, Jesus agony was intense. He felt the crushing weight of the sin of the world bearing down on Him. It was so overwhelming He asked His father to let the cup pass from Him. Yet when it could not Jesus surrendered to the Father’s will.

We may be willing to bear our cross for Jesus. Taking it up every day as we learn to denial our selves and surrender to God’s will. But sharing in the cup of grief that Jesus had to drink? Maybe that is a different story.

We do not carry His cross but our own. When it comes to His cup of grief, we do not have our own but instead share His cup, and His cup was more than we can comprehend. Even still we are challenged by the words of the hymn to be willing to share it.

Even Thy cup of grief to share

Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink…? And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink…” Mark 10:38a-39a ESV

They wanted to share His glory, to sit at His right hand and His left, but did not know the path to it was grief. They wanted to share the cup that would be given to those who rule, but did not know the only way to get it was to serve through suffering and even death.

Not only will we deny ourselves and take up our cross but willingly share in the grief of His sufferings. Hebrews 5:8 teaches that Jesus learned obedience through suffering. If it was good enough for Jesus, it is good enough for us. Drink the cup of suffering and learn obedience.

Jesus, teach me obedience through my suffering.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about your perspective on suffering. God does not ask us to seek out suffering, but are we willing to embrace it when He sends it our way. Do we realize their may be something to be gained through suffering? Pray the simple prayer, “Jesus, teach me obedience through my suffering.

Calvary

Thou hast borne all for me

In drinking His cup of suffering Jesus took on the weight of the sin of the world. Because He did that, we do not have to. Good thing for us because we never could have anyway.

Let’s be clear. Jesus did not want to bear everything for us. He actually asked for that cup to be removed, but ultimately surrendered to the will of His Father. Really that makes His obedience even that much more remarkable.

Thou hast borne all for me

Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 ESV

Jesus asked for that cup to be removed, so great was the anguish of it. Yet He also yielded His will to the Father. He endured agony to show His obedience to His Father and His love for us. We are invited into similar expressions of obedience and love every day. Remember.

Our self-denial is a simple and appropriate response to all that Jesus bore for us. He bore the weight of our sin and shame. He asks us to take up our cross, that emblem of self-denial, so we can find the freedom of surrender. Let Jesus lead you to Calvary again today.

RESONATE!
Jesus was willing to do His Father’s will, even though it required Him to do something He did not want to do. Our obedience will likely require us to do things we would prefer to not do as well. Pray this simple prayer, but only when you are ready for it to be answered. “Jesus, lead me to Calvary.

Jesus, thank You for being obedient. If you had not been there would simply be no hope for me to ever follow You. Because you were obedient my becoming obedient becomes possible. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Surrendered Thinking!

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Podcast 39.4 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

May I be willing Lord to bear

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 ESV

Bearing your cross is a prerequisite for being a disciple, plain and simple. If you want to be one who follows Jesus bearing your cross is not optional. We must be willing to bear it, even though we do not get to choose it. God fashions our cross and we must be willing to bear it.

Daily my cross for Thee

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 ESV

Just in case you thought you would only have to bear it once, Jesus makes clear it is a daily practice. It gives you the vehicle to deny yourself and choose to follow Jesus instead. Are you willing to take up your cross daily? You must choose, because some days you will not want to. 

Even Thy cup of grief to share

Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink…? And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink…” Mark 10:38a-39a ESV

They wanted to share His glory, to sit at His right hand and His left, but did not know the path to it was grief. They wanted to share the cup that would be given to those who rule, but did not know the only way to get it was to serve through suffering and even death.

Thou hast borne all for me

Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 ESV

Jesus asked for that cup to be removed, so great was the anguish of it. Yet He also yielded His will to the Father. He endured agony to show His obedience to His Father and His love for us. We are invited into similar expressions of obedience and love every day. Remember.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.

May I be willing Lord to bear
Daily my cross for Thee
Even Thy cup of grief to share
Thou hast borne all for me

Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Led to Calvary, Through Gethsemane appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Even Thy cup of grief to share – https://hopewithoutlimits.com/2014/09/19/the-ultimate-letting-go/
Thou hast borne all for me – https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mel-gibsons-lethal-weapon/

Are You Willing to Bear Your Cross Daily?

May I be willing Lord to bear

May I be willing Lord to bear
Daily my cross for Thee
Even Thy cup of grief to share
Thou hast borne all for me

Lead Me to Calvary 1921
By: Jennie Evelyn Hussey (1834 – 1925)

Listen to this simple version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn of commitment and our approach to Easter make time to ponder this text and all it communicates. Let’s tune our hearts.

Bear It

Can you see yourself in the image above? Is this a practice you have become familiar with? Or is this idea new to you?

Jesus makes it very clear that if you want to be His disciple you must discern how to follow Him, and a part of following is bear your cross. But does Jesus actually mean that we have to carry some symbol around with us?

No.

What He is teaching is that we must be willing to deny ourselves. This is both a one-time and continual decision we must make. “I will follow Jesus”, is the one-time. The continual is all those other decisions we make to demonstrate the finality of the first.

May I be willing Lord to bear

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 ESV

Bearing your cross is a prerequisite for being a disciple, plain and simple. If you want to be one who follows Jesus bearing your cross is not optional. We must be willing to bear it, even though we do not get to choose it. God fashions our cross and we must be willing to bear it.

We may bear our cross, but do we do so willingly or begrudgingly? When we allow Jesus to lead us to Calvary, we follow His footsteps and watch the surrendering of His will over and over again. That perspective prompts an unparalleled willingness to bear our cross. Ask for it.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about the shape of your cross. What does self-denial look like for you? How will you follow Jesus example. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, inform my willingness with Your surrender.” 

Daily

Daily my cross for Thee

This daily bearing becomes the way we learn to live conforming our lives to Jesus, becoming more like Him. It is a simple practice, but that does not mean it is easy. One thought, one word, one deed at a time become the vehicle of our transformation.

Is this a new concept? If not, would you like a refresher? This short video offers an excellent explanation.

Daily my cross for Thee

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 ESV

Just in case you thought you would only have to bear it once, Jesus makes clear it is a daily practice. It gives you the vehicle to deny yourself and choose to follow Jesus instead. Are you willing to take up your cross daily? You must choose, because some days you will not want to.

Daily bearing the cross is a duty required of every Christian. The daily surrender becomes a discipline which shapes our way of thinking and living. Ultimately that discipline can even become a delight, walking in humble obedience before the Lord bringing unshakable peace.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and consider what daily bearing your cross looks like. It will transform your life. Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, help me bear my cross daily.

Jesus, thank You for teaching us to bear our cross, and then modeling how to do that. You only had to do it once, but You bore it all the way to death. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ name. 

Daily Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 39.4 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

May I be willing Lord to bear
Daily my cross for Thee
Even Thy cup of grief to share
Thou hast borne all for me

We may bear our cross, but do we do so willingly or begrudgingly? When we allow Jesus to lead us to Calvary, we follow His footsteps and watch the surrendering of His will over and over again. That perspective prompts an unparalleled willingness to bear our cross. Ask for it.

Jesus, inform my willingness with Your surrender.

Daily bearing the cross is a duty required of every Christian. The daily surrender becomes a discipline which shapes our way of thinking and living. Ultimately that discipline can even become a delight, walking in humble obedience before the Lord bringing unshakable peace.

Jesus, help me bear my cross daily.

Not only will we deny ourselves and take up our cross but willingly share in the grief of His sufferings. Hebrews 5:8 teaches that Jesus learned obedience through suffering. If it was good enough for Jesus, it is good enough for us. Drink the cup of suffering and learn obedience.

Jesus, teach me obedience through my suffering.

Our self-denial is a simple and appropriate response to all that Jesus bore for us. He bore the weight of our sin and shame. He asks us to take up our cross, that emblem of self-denial, so we can find the freedom of surrender. Let Jesus lead you to Calvary again today.

Jesus, lead me to Calvary.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Are You Willing to Bear Your Cross Daily? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
May I be willing Lord to bear – https://activechristianity.org/what-does-it-mean-to-take-up-your-cross-daily
Daily my cross for Thee – https://activechristianity.org/what-does-it-mean-to-take-up-your-cross-daily