“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Shortly before His death, resurrection, and return to heaven, Jesus comforted His disciples with these words: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: . . . I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2,3). Later He prayed, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory” (John 17:24). Verse four of “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” expresses our sure prospect.

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Allelujah. Following our exalted Head, Allelujah. Made like Him, like Him we rise, Allelujah. Ours the cross, the grave the skies, Allelujah.

God has given us the privilege and blessing of total identification with His Son. We are “dead with Christ” (Colossians 2:20), “buried with Him” (v.12), “risen with Him” (v.12), and “quickened together with Him” (v.13). “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

This identification with Christ necessitates an ongoing responsibility. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). His resurrection ensures forgiveness in this life and Paradise in the life to come. “I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” (Philippians 3:10). JDM