What agony He suffered on our behalf,
pain, derision, rejection and, worst of all,
a break in Oneness with His Father.
He died to give eternal life to all who believe,
rising to the challenge of His destiny.

Three
              long
                           days
                                         and
                                                                                  nights.

What joy after such sorrow
for His followers to see Jesus again.
Alive! and yet He had died.
The grave had no power to hold Him,
He is risen from the dead.

Forty days He remained with them.
They wanted Him to stay forever,
but His work on earth was finished.
He promised to send them the Spirit.
Now He has risen to the Father.

The Spirit within us now makes us yearn
for holiness, and to see His blessed face.
The time is surely coming soon for
He has given us another promise...
We will one day rise to meet Him in the air.

Hallelujah! He Is Risen!
He Is Risen Indeed!

© 2002 by Marie DisBrow

This poem was first published in the Easter 2003 issue of The Gem (Churches of God, General Conference)