“The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15: 42-44)

Today, I met an 84-year-old woman who recently lost her 91-year-old husband for arranging the funeral. It struck me deeply because I officiated her only child, a 51-year-old son two years ago, on the very same day. Together, we shed tears—for them, because of them, and for ourselves, who remain and grieve.

As a pastor, I have been a firsthand witness to countless deaths, guiding families through the grieving process and conducting their funerals. Additionally, I have personally experienced the devastating loss of my beloved son, immersing myself in the profound reality of death. Each day, I confront death head-on, shedding tears alongside grieving families, and have spent over 30 years navigating the complex journey of mourning.

The hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" was penned by Charles Wesley, the 18th child in a family of 19 siblings. Tragically, 10 of these siblings passed away, leaving only 9 to reach adulthood. Charles himself was born prematurely and was initially thought to be dead. However, by the grace of God, he miraculously survived and thrived. Despite this miraculous beginning, Charles experienced his fair share of sorrow, losing 5 of his own 8 children. Living in an era where the average lifespan was only 37 years, the Wesley family witnessed firsthand the harsh reality of death. They were born and died at home and experienced that death is an undeniable aspect of human life.

Beyond his hymnody, Charles Wesley's preaching left a profound impact. "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" stands as a testament to his theological depth and doxological fervor, resounding with triumphant "alleluias." Crafted for Easter, the inclusion of "alleluia," meaning "Praise to the Lord," in every line echoes the victory of Jesus over sin and death, celebrated by believers worldwide on Easter Sunday.

For many who have faced near-death experiences, they experienced profound reality: “Totally immersed in the Christ, I have never felt God’s presence so overwhelmingly and so real.”

By the way, how can I share the joyful news of resurrection with the widow who has lost her husband and her only son, and now must live her remaining days alone? O Lord! Have mercy on us! May we confront the pain, the wounds, the Cross, and death itself, finding solace and joy in the presence of the risen Christ.

Pastor Seok-Hwan

REFLECTION AND PRAYER:

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today



Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!

Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!

Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!

Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!

Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!

Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!

Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!

Thee to know, Thy pow’r to prove, Alleluia!

Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!

Text: Charles Wesley, 1739

Music: Lyra Davidica, 1708