Because He Lives
Hebrews 7:25
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
"Because He Lives" was one of Mom's favorite hymns. The sheet music for this and other traditional hymns always sat open on her piano. "Blessed Assurance", "Amazing Grace", and "How Great Thou Art" were much loved too. Many afternoons she would play through her favorites, meditating, offering silent prayers and worshiping. This daily ritual was a renewal of spirit and gave her a deep sense of comfort.
Hebrews 7:25 highlights the powerful and eternal love of Jesus telling us He is always there to intercede on our behalf. His love is ever present and all encompassing. We are comforted "Because He Lives."
In 1835 the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, "Music is the universal language of mankind." We know that music crosses all kinds of barriers- culture, age, poverty, illness.
Sitting quietly, listening to the songs of nature, walking along a bubbling stream, humming your favorite hymn are all restorative and healing activities. We are comforted and uplifted by simple melodies.
Music is a gift of Creation. Transcending and transforming, it is a spiritual gift that connects us to God's divine and everlasting love.
Praise be to God.
Let us pray:
Lord, we come humbly before you today thanking you for your unconditional love and the reassurance of salvation. We also praise you and thank you for the gift of music which lifts our spirits and reminds us of your divine love. Amen.
This devotional was written by A.C. Griffith and read by Ryan Smith.
Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.
If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.
First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.
