My Project 52 (16) -

Week 16 - The night watch over the Tomoka Basin. April 19, 2014. Eve of Resurrection Sunday. 

~ Resurrection from the Valley of Vision ~

 "O God of my Exodus, 

Great was the joy of Israel's sons, when Egypt died upon the shore,

Far greater the joy when the Redeemer's foe lay crushed in the dust. 

Jesus strides forth as the victor, conqueror of death, hell and all opposing might;

He bursts the bands of death, tramples the powers of darkness down, and lives forever. 

He, my gracious surety, apprehended for payment of my debt, 

comes forth from the prison house of the grave, free, and triumphant over sin, Satan and death. 

Show me herein the proof that His vicarious offering is accepted, that the claims of justice are satisfied,

 that the devil's scepter is shivered, that his wrongful throne is leveled. 

Give me the assurance that in Christ I died, in Him I rose, 

in His life I live, in His victory I triumph, in His ascension I shall be glorified. 

Adorable Redeemer, Thou who wast lifted up upon a cross, art ascended to highest Heaven.

Thou, Who as Man of Sorrows wast crowned with thorns, art now as Lord of life wreathed with glory.

Once, no shame more deep than thine, no agony more bitter, no death more cruel. 

Now, no exaltation more high, no life more glorious, no advocate more effective.

Thou art in the triumph car leading captive thine enemies behind Thee. 

What more could be done than Thou hast done! 

Thy death is my life, thy resurrection my peace, thy ascension my hope, thy prayers my comfort." 

When those who are Christ's die, it is not a defeat - it is a victory. They are not dead, they are ALIVE.

More alive than we have ever been or could ever hope to dream. 

The resurrection of Jesus tramples death and cancer, every sickness and pain, every brokenness and deepest wound...it was trampled and pounded into the ground with the cross into Golgotha, 

it was in the nails in Christ's hands and feet, it is the thorns upon His brow... it is the stone rolled away,

the curtain torn in two, the victory cry of "It is finished!" - Christ's death and resurrection defeats DEATH. 

"O death, where is thy victory? O grave, where is thy sting?" 

With love always,

~ Jean Marie ~