We have just come through Easter where we remember the resurrection of our Lord. Without the resurrection Jesus’ death on the cross would have been meaningless. The story behind one of the most popular Easter hymns was brought to my attention, and I want to share it with you here.

“He Lives” was written by Alfred Ackley a Presbyterian minister. This man wrote hundreds of hymns, but “He Lives” is the one we know best.

While at an evangelistic meeting, Ackley was asked by a Jewish student why he should worship a dead Jew.  Ackley assured the young man through Scriptures and on the strength of his own testimony that Jesus is not dead but lives today. Ackley thought much on what the young man had asked him. Then on Easter morning as he listened to the radio a liberal minister said it didn’t matter whether or not Christ rose from the dead. It was only important that His truth lived on.

Ackley could not get these two things out of his mind – the student’s question and the liberal minister’s statement. His wife encouraged him to write a song showing his belief in Jesus’ resurrection. God gave him the words to this hymn and moments after writing the song he was able to compose the music. (http://visitpbc.com/he-lives/)

How wonderful that we serve a risen Saviour! Because of this we have the hope of living one day forever with Him in Heaven. And for now while we are on earth we have the comfort of His living presence to help us in our daily walk.

I serve a risen Saviour; He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living, whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

Chorus:
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair.
I know that He is leading, thro’ all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian! Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.