Easter Continues . . .

One of the inspirations of my books on biblical narrative — God’s Favorite Place on Earth (written from the perspective of Lazarus) and The Day I Met Jesus with Mary DeMuth (written from the perspective of five women from the Gospels) — is my friend Don Francisco’s classic song “He’s Alive” told from the perspective of Peter.

Here is a video where Don shares why he chose to tell the story through the lips of Peter followed by his iconic song and the lyrics.

If you’ve never heard the song, do so now. You may never recover.

The gates and doors were barred
All the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound

Half in hopeless sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin’ through
To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise
Heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
And a voice began to call

Hurried to the window
Looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldier’s feet

There was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told us where she’d been

She said they’ve moved Him in the night
And none of us knows where
The stones been rolled away
And now His body isn’t there

We both ran toward the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and the empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said

But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
And how or where they’d taken Him
Was more than I could tell

Well, something strange had happened there
Just what I did not know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go

Circumstance and speculation
Couldn’t lift me very high
‘Cause I’d seen them crucify Him
Then I saw Him die

Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I’d promised Him
Just added to my shame

When at last it came to choices
I denied I knew His name
Even if He was alive
It wouldn’t be the same

Suddenly the air was filled
With strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove shadows from the room

Jesus stood before me
With His arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And just clung to Him and cried

He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
Love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies

Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I’d ever had
Just melted into peace

He’s alive, He’s alive
He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide

He’s alive, He’s alive
He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide

He’s alive, He’s alive
He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive, He’s alive, He’s alive