Today's musical selection begins with Gene Autry performing Peter Cottontail in a scene from the movie, Hills of Utah (1951). This song was written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, the team that wrote the Christmas classic Frosty tod he Snowman. Because of Gene Autry's success with such Christmas songs as Here Comes Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the songwriting duo decided that Gene Autry was the best singer to introduce a song about a holiday figure. When Gene recorded the song it went up to #3 on the Country Charts. Naturally the song would have to appear in a Gene Autry movie. To remind us why we truly celebrate Easter, Johnny Cash will then sing He's Alive from his 1979 album, A Believer Sings the Truth. This song tells of the story of Peter and how the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus affected him.This song brings us a message of hope in the most hopeless of times. When Jesus was crucified, things seemed as dark and hopeless as they get, yet he raised from the dead and brought great joy and forgiveness to all who accept him as their lord and savior. If he can overcome the grave, how much more can he overcoming anything we might be worrying about right now. This is followed by The Sons of the Pioneers with their recording of All God's Chillun Got Wings. Afterwards is Dale Evans with Grace Greater Than Our Sin. While not specifically an Easter song, this is about as fitting for the occasion than any other song I can think of. How can you have Christian music for Easter without having, The Old Rugged Cross? The answer is you can't. So here is Alan Jackson singing it. The song itself dates back to 1913 and was written by evangelist, George Bennard. Actually the first verse was written in 1912. It was written while Bennard was a part of a series of revival meetings in Albion, Michigan. He was worried about the complete disregard for the gospel around him and wrote this verse as a repose. Of writing it Bennard said, "I seemed to have a vision ... . I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." The song wouldn't be completed for several months, when he was leading meetings at a local church in Pokagan, Michigan. He played it for Rev. Leroy (the sponsoring pastor) and his wife, Ruby Bostwick, both of whom found themselves moved to tears. It was then incorporated into a service at that church on June 7, 1913. The song has the same effect today as it must have back then. Next is The Charlie Daniels Band with a very appropriate song for Easter, He's Not Here from their 1997 gospel album, Steel Witness. Like He's Alive this song is about how since Jesus overcame the grave he can easily overcome anything this world can put in our way. The ending was written when Jesus dies on the cross. We know who will win in the end, because he has already overcome anything the enemy can do. When we are faced with any trial all we have to do is remember that Jesus is no longer in the grave, he is with us always. Next comes Skeeter Davis with Try Jesus. This self-penned song comes from her 1973 album, The Hillbilly Singer. Then Lefty Frizell sings a very Easter appropriate song, We Crucified Our Jesus. This recording comes from 1953 and reminds us just why Jesus died on the cross. Today's musical selection ends with Wanda Jackson with Let Go... Let Jesus In.
Next is one of Billy Graham explaining what Easter is.
Next comes a classic Christian movie that I love dearly and is perfect for Easter, From the Manger to the Cross (1912). I have written about this film previously on this blog, click here to read that.
Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” Matthew 20:17-19
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. Mark 8:31
A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:29-30
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ” Mark 16:5-7
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36
Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews. Matthew 27:37
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:5-6
He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Luke 24:6-7
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:2-3
With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all. Acts 4:33
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34
Thank you for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails until we meet again.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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