The resurrection of Jesus is like a dream, but it is real. The women could not believe what they see at the tomb until Jesus Himself appeared and greeted them. The women could not hold their joy as they worshipped Him. They have genuine evidence to tell the disciples that truly, Jesus has risen. Part 1 of the hymns that can be sung during Easter Season can be accessible here.
Hymn 1: Halleluyah! Christ Is Risen
History of the Hymn and its Writer: The writer of the hymn Hallelluyah! Christ Is Risen is Christopher Wordsworth. He was a nephew to the popular poet, William Wordsworth. He was born on October 30, 1807.
His brother’s name was Charles. They were both known to be athletes when they were in school. He won the chancellor’s gold-medal for poetry because he was good at writing poetry as a student. In 1844, he answered God’s call into the ministry and he eventually became an Anglican priest. He was appointed as the Canon Abbey but not quite long, He was posted to a church in the city where he spent twenty years as a canon. After a while, he was promoted and appointed as a bishop.
One day as he was settling down in his office, A was thinking about composing an Easter hymn which must be based on the Bible. He looked at songs like Amazing Grace and others but he did not want a song that speaks about his personal experience or testimony. He wanted a song that it only Scripture-based. So, he opened his Bible to the book of Matthew 28:6which says, he is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where relay’. He developed that Scripture into a hymn and matched it with tunes. The song was published in the mid-19th century.
Later on, an evangelist, James Mcgranaham (1840-1907) who was a singer and songwriter was inspired by the song and arranged the song for congregational singing. The song became popular throughout England and all over the world The song was sung on Easter afternoon in 1876 in the courthouse of a square of Augusta to about 5,000 people by Philip Bliss.
Explanation of the Hymn: In stanzas one and two, the songwriter wanted all of us to have the correct understanding of the Bible on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This will help us to know that we are the most blessed people all over the world. Jesus came, suffered, died, and resurrected on the Lord’s Day which is a Sunday. Rise, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection power through the hymn
Hal-le-lu-yah! Hal-le-lu-yah!
Heart and voice to heaven raise,
Sing to God a hymn of gladness,
Sing to God a hymn of praise;
He who on the cross a ransom.
For the world’s salvation bled,
Jesus Christ the King of glory.
Now is risen from the dead.
Christ is risen, Christ the first fruits
Of the holy harvest field,
Which will all is full abundance,
At his glorious advent, yield;
Then the golden ears of harvest
Will before His presence wave,
Rising in his sunshine joyous,
From the furrows of the grave.
In stanzas one and two, Christopher Wordsworth painted Jesus as a man of sorrow who redeemed us from eternal condemnation. Through the shedding of His precious blood, He suffered, died and resurrected on the third day. He is alive and that gives us the courage to spread the Good News like the women did. We must be grateful to God for releasing His only begotten Son to take our place for judgment (John 3:16).
Hallelujah! Halleluyah!
Glory be to God above!
Halleluyah, to the Saviour,
Fount of life and source of love;
Hallelujah, to the spirit
Let our high ascriptions be;
Hallelujah, now and ever,
To the blessed trinity.
In stanza three, Jesus is portrayed as the Life Giver (John 14:6). His life speaks of love and compassion for the world. He expects His disciples including you to love one another (John 13: 35) like He loved us all. Therefore, we are encouraged to praise God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the salvation of our souls. Praise the Lord!
Conclusion: The resurrection of the King of kings and Lord of lords has brought us joy, love, and peace. God wants you to show that same love, peace and joy to your friends, neighbours, pastors, parents, and everyone around you. So, praise God for saving you, for making you His witnesses, for His protection, provision, and promotion that you enjoy in your school.
Hymn 2: I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
Can you remember Job in the Bible? The Bible described that he was from Uz, a perfect and upright man, devoted to the things of God He loved the Lord with his whole heart and feared Him (Job 1:1). One day, Satan went to God to take permission to maltreat Job(Job 1:6-12); Although God permitted him, He warned him not to touch Job’s life, In all that Job went through-death of his children, skin diseases, loss of properties-he did not deny God.
Background of the Hymn: Jessie Brown Pounds wrote the hymn. She was born in Hirain on August 31, 18 61 and died in Hiram on March 3, 1921. Jessie Brown Pounds was the daughter of Holland Brown. Holland Brown was a preacher. His wife, Sano Abell Brown influenced her daughter. Jessie Brown Pounds, to love literature. Right from kindergarten, Jessie Brown had been writing verses, while at age 15, she was writing regularly for religious periodicals, including the Christian Standard. Jessie Brown Pounds joined hands with James H. Fillmore in writing religious poetry. James H. Fillmore set poetry into music. Her publications included nine books, 50 cantata, and over 400 gospel hymns.
Jessie Brown Pounds was the one who wrote the text of the hymn” I Know that My Redeemer Liveth.” based on Job 19:25. She saw Christ in the situation of Job and encouraged believers to see God as being present with them whenever they are going through tough times. As children, be convinced that God is aware of whatever problem you might be going through and that He will intervene so that you can glorify Him. Just remain loyal to Christ, and you will testify like Job did.
Explanation of the Hymn: This hymn has stanzas and refrains as explained below.
I know that my Redeemer liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand;
I know eternal life He giveth,
That grace and power are in His hand
Refrain:
I know, I know that Jesus liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand; I know,
I know that life He giveth,
That grace and power are His hand.
Jessie Brown Pounds saw Christ as the Redeemer who lives forever. Even when things are not rosy, Christ is in charge. He is the giver of eternal life and He gives grace and power to His children. The chorus centres on the power and grace that Jesus’ resurrection brings. That power is available today to you. All you have to do is accept Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.
I know His promises never faileth,
The word He speaks, it cannot die;
Tho’cruel death my flesh assaieth
Yet I shall see Him by and by
Stanza two talks about Jesus; faithfulness to keep His promises. He will fulfil His promises at the appropriate time (2 Peter 3:9). As Jesus is alive, His Word is living too. It is sharper than any two-edged sword. Just as Job believed that even if his flesh decayed, he would see the Lord at the end of time, can you say that you will see Jesus at the end of your journey on earth?
I know my mansion He prepareth,
That where He is there I may be;
O wondrous tho’t, for me He car-eth
And He, at last, will come for me.
Stanza three reflects John 14:1-3, where Jesus promised to go and prepare a place for His disciples. Jesus is coming back to take His children to leave one day. He will reward us with mansions if we remain true to Christ and His course. He will also judge sinners who refuse to repent. He will reward everyone according to what he or she has done (Revelation 22:12).
Conclusion: The hymn awakens us to have a proper perspective of the God we serve. He is a promise keeper. Therefore, you must always remember that not many people are aware that Jesus is alive, which you must tell them. Jesus will never abandon His people no matter the challenges we face and He is coming back again to reward us according to our deeds.
