He Is Risen!

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”—Matthew 28:6 NKJV

As a young man, Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther faced the reality of death. Attending college in Leipzig, Germany, he suffered a crippling lung disease. During the months required for recuperation, he poured himself into Bible study and other spiritual writings.

His studies brought him closer to the Lord and led him to conclusions that conflicted with church officials. Seeking freedom to follow his convictions, he immigrated to America, settling near St. Louis. There, he helped establish the Lutheran Church’s Missouri Synod.

The work was challenging, but Walther made a significant impact. As his health began to suffer, he felt it was necessary to return to Germany for a time of rest. He was at sea on Easter 1860 when he became inspired to write the hymn “He’s Risen, He’s Risen!” (It is sung in English and known by the translation provided by Anna M. Meyer.)

Walther expressed the triumph he knew to be true because of the resurrection: He knew that through His death and resurrection, Jesus had “opened death’s prison” and all who believe in Him are free!

Although Jesus is “the Lord of creation,” He had been “nailed to the tree.” His foes thought they were “triumphant,” but Jesus arose from the dead. He “vanquished” every foe, including death, hell, and Satan.

No matter what challenges you face, you can celebrate. Jesus has risen! Because of Him, you can be more than a conqueror.

Reflection Question: How has Jesus’ resurrection impacted your recent challenges?