A psalm of immense gratitude and reflection – of the suffering that gives life. 

The life of a man is in his blood;
Yet the Righteous One was taken as a threat and misjudged.
The people cried, “Away with this man!”
They lifted their voices: “Crucify him!”
It was not the nails that held Him 

He had the power to rise again,
Yet He stayed.
It was mercy.
It was love.
It was a gift beyond price.

He stood in my place,
He bore what I deserved.
The punishment due to my soul, He endured.
Have you been tried with no guilt found?
Have you been struck for the truth’s sake?
Have you dwelt among the outcast?
Have you given your life for a friend?

Would you? Could you?

We were appointed for slaughter,
Our bodies to be given to the grave, our blood to the earth.
What gain was in our death?
One life lost, was just that.

But behold—the death of the Holy One brought life!

Salvation belongs to the LORD!
There is no other name under heaven
By which we must be saved.

Messiah!
Son of the Living God!
To You be glory, honor, and power.

No hand stole Your breath—
You laid it down freely,
And with divine authority, You took it up again.

We believe, and we proclaim:
The Lord lives!
The Risen One reigns!

We share in His suffering and in His glory.
Though we die, yet shall we live.
In Your courts, O God, is eternal joy.

Death, where is your sting?
Grave, where is your victory?
The LORD has triumphed gloriously!

Victory! Victory!
We shout the victory
By the blood of our Savior
And the power of His resurrection.
Forever and ever—Amen. 

See you next week!