Alleluia!
Greetings! This month we will look at the Wesley brother’s words. John Wesley (founder of the Methodist Movement) was a famous preacher, profound writer, and the keeper of a detailed journal. While John wrote sermons, his brother, Charles, was known for his poetry and hymns. In these four devotionals, we will hear what these brothers have to say for young adults today.
The last three devotionals have concentrated on John Wesley’s words. Charles Wesley, John Wesley’s brother, also said many inspiring words. Instead of being famous for his sermons, Charles is famous for his love of music and hymns. While scholars debate the exact number of hymns he wrote, most say it was somewhere between six and nine thousand! Many of these hymns are still sung today in churches around the world, especially Methodist ones.
Doubts and struggles are very common in the life of faith. I have times of doubt and questions. I am sure you do, as well. Some of these questions might be: If God is all powerful then why do children have cancer? Why did God create the flood? Why can’t I hear God? Why was I born in freedom and so many people aren’t? Hello God, are you there?
When I think about my doubts, fears, and concerns of life, I sometimes sing in my head “Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia! Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!” For me, those two lines, which many will sing Easter Sunday in just over a week, are the crux of our faith. Christ the Lord has died, risen, and will come again! This promise will never change. Christ dying on the cross was God’s love paying the ultimate price. When I have fears of life, I have to remind myself that this is the greatest gift ever given to me. There is nothing I could or can do to change that. The same is true for everyone. Whoever you are wherever you are, know that Christ the Lord has died and rose for you. When you are struggling in your life, remember God gave you this precious gift. God’s loving work is truly done. Amen!
The lyrics to Christ, the Lord, is risen today:
Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!
Discussion Questions: What are some doubts you have about God? When have been some times in your life when you have struggled? What are these lyrics saying to you?
See more devotions from Ashley and our other Young Adult writers, or find our how you can become a writer yourself at our By Young Adults for Young Adults devotion page.