I wonder what was happening…..don’t you? After all Jesus endured the past few days, after he had been crucified, and after he died…..I’ve always wanted to see behind the veil that I am convinced is closer than we realize and continue following on that journey as well. But we don’t get to know that….just yet.

My childhood Sunday School teachers painted the picture of an epic battle between Jesus and all of hell and death, from where Jesus emerged victorious, holding the keys to hell,  having defeated death for all time. John, one of Jesus’ closest friends and disciples wrote these words toward the end of his life as he recorded the book of Revelation. Jesus appeared to him in brilliant light with a message for us all. John writes:

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.      (Revelation 1:17,18)

I’ve heard these words since I can remember, but today they hold more meaning than ever. Whatever happened during the time that Jesus was truly dead to this world but very much present in another, it did change everything. And whatever form that took – whatever battle or struggle or miracle or choice that Jesus made, it was all for us. And it’s the reason we have hope today.

We have hope of being forgiven, not only in a moment of confession, but once and for all time.

We have hope that all the embraces we’re holding in reserve for those who have gone before will one day land squarely on shoulders that we’ve missed for too long.

We have hope that Jesus remains with us in all of the craziness of this world and we don’t face it alone.

We have hope that the burdens of grief and longing will never become too much to bear.

We have hope of joy that comes alongside grief and opens the way for all things new.

We have hope that the choices we make today effect tomorrow and all the way into eternity.

We have hope in one day laying our eyes on this Jesus who has stood with us in the fire, sat with us on the edge of the pit, sung over us songs of comfort and has led and loved us so faithfully and completely every day of our lives.

Thank you, Jesus….for all you suffered in our place. Thank you for not giving up and going home when no one could have stopped you. Thank you for staying in the fight and winning our eternal freedom. Thank you for loving us and for the wonder and privilege of being magnified in us.

Thank you. Just…..thank you!

Magnifying our risen Jesus with you,

Shellie ♥

‘Cause death is just the doorway into resurrection life
And if I join You in Your suffering then I’ll join You when You rise
And when You return in glory with all the angels and the saints
My heart will still be singing and my song will be the same

 
Christ Be Magnified

Cody Carnes

Were creation suddenly articulate
With a thousand tongues to lift one cry
Then from North to South and East to West
We’d hear Christ be magnified

Were the whole earth echoing His eminence
His name would burst from sea and sky
From rivers to the mountain tops
We’d hear Christ be magnified

Oh! Christ be magnified
Let His praise arise
Christ be magnified in me
Oh! Christ be magnified
From the altar of my life
Christ be magnified in me

When every creature finds its inmost melody
And every human heart its native cry
Oh then in one enraptured hymn of praise
We’ll sing Christ be magnified

Oh be lifted high, Jesus
Oh! Christ be magnified
Let His praise arise
Christ be magnified in me
Oh! Christ be magnified
From the altar of my life
Christ be magnified in me

I won’t bow to idols, I’ll stand strong and worship You
And if it puts me in the fire, I’ll rejoice ’cause You’re there too
I won’t be formed by feelings, I hold fast to what is true
If the cross brings transformation then I’ll be crucified with You

‘Cause death is just the doorway into resurrection life
And if I join You in Your suffering then I’ll join You when You rise
And when You return in glory with all the angels and the saints
My heart will still be singing and my song will be the same

Oh! Christ be magnified
Let His praise arise
Christ be magnified in me
Oh! Christ be magnified
From the altar of my life
Christ be magnified in me
Oh! Christ be magnified
Let His praise arise
Christ be magnified in me
Oh! Christ be magnified
From the altar of my life
Christ be magnified in me

Songwriters: Cody Carnes / Ethan Hulse
Christ Be Magnified lyrics © Capitol Cmg Paragon, Be Essential Songs, Writers Roof Publishing