This morning, as I continue to struggle with a kidney stone, I can’t help but reflect back on Easter.  The Resurrection of Christ is the ultimate foundation of hope!  Our sins are forgiven. Our righteousness is provided.  Our delight is secured.  All things are made new.  The curse is lifted.  All of creation is being restored.  The Kingdom of Christ is established and the beloved of Jesus are eternally furnished with every grace of God.  So, even as my body grows weak with illness and pain, my spirit is lifted with the security and hope of the Resurrection.  In celebration of this hope, I am listening to one of my favorite songs – “Ain’t No Grave” by the Boston progressive-bluegrass ensemble – Crooked Still.

Click “Read the rest of this entry” to hear Song and see Video

I’m including the live version of the song here instead of the studio version.  The video and sound quality leaves something to be desired, but I thought it would be better for you to see Crooked Still in action.  They are so inspiring and such a fun group to watch.  I get the biggest kick out of watching their banjo player – Greg Liszt (he’s the guy on the far left in the photo) – whose onstage spasms and ticks bring me a great deal of joy.  He is like a banjo playing Jimi Hendrix.

In regard to the lyrics, isn’t it great that, Blessings be unto Christ, the grave no longer has any power over the Beloved.  Behold, old things will pass away, and all things shall become new!

(Note: You will get better quality if you click the 360p at the bottom and change it to 480p)

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Lyrics
There ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
when i hear that trumpet sound i’m gonna get up out of the ground
aint’ no grave gonna hold my body down

go down yonder gabriel put your foot on the land and sea
oh gabriel don’t you blow your trumpet until you hear from me
i looked way over yonder and what do you think i see?
i see a band of angels and they’re coming after me
then i looked way down the river saw the people dressed in white
i knew it was God’s people ’cause i saw them doing right

ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
when i hear that trumpet sound i’m gonna get up out of the ground
aint’ no grave gonna hold my body down

i’m going down to the river jordan and i’m gonna bury my knees in the sand
holler “ah, hosanna” till i reach the promised land
then i looked way over yonder and what do you think i see?
i see a band of angels and they’re coming after me
so meet me King Jesus meet me! wont’ you meet me in the middle of the air
if these wings should carry me, i won’t need another pair

ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
when i hear that trumpet sound i’m gonna get up out of the ground
aint’ no grave gonna hold my body down
ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down