He is risen
 “but now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.”
                                                                                            1 Cor. 15:20

scene:  paul is writing to these guys in corinth about how incredible it is that God Himself not only died, but raised and that all who believe will be raised with Him.  then along comes this guy, probably just a normal guy with questions a lot like you or me, who asks, “but what if it’s not true?”  cutting no corners, paul simply, yet realistically answers, “then pity me above all men.”  he suffered like crazy for his faith in the resurrection of Jesus and his faith that one day he’d be raised with Christ.  his conviction was so strong that nothing could convince him otherwise, and yet for us, i think wejust go on like it’s a fable with a good moral to the story.  it’s like we’ve just seen it so many times that it’s lost its power.  either that or we never understood how amazing it is!  God has gone to incredible, even impossible lengths, at great cost to Himself, to bring us into His kingdom.  He is guiding us and making the way, so that when He comes back for us, AND HE IS COMING BACK FOR US, we will be part of His glorious bride.  embrace the power of the cross, take up your own, and find yourself in the river of delight as you suffer in this life and hope for the glory of the next.    
ring the bell the King is coming / prepare the way for His return / let every tribe and tongue declare His praise / shout to God the Groom is coming / prepare the bride for His return / let every heart be sanctified in Him / He is risen halleluiah, He is coming again / so lift your voice and dance and raise your hands / for Jesus Christ is drawing us to Him / fires fall from the heavens / oceans part at his command / and the sweetest Savior’s leading us into His promised land / praise the Lord oh my soul rise up and praise the Lord