Why “The Anthem” by Planetshakers is my Favorite Easter song

A few days ago I was listening to The Anthem by Planetshakers (mp3 $1.29 on amazon), one of my all-time favorite worship songs on the way to work. I was suddenly overcome emotionally and spiritually. While I love the lyrics to the song, the part that really just hit me hard was when the pastor starts shouting at the end, “JESUS IS ALIVE! JESUS IS ALIVE! LET’S GIVE HIM THE GREATEST PRAISE! THE GREATEST WORSHIP! I love both the live and studio version of the song, but the live version is so powerful for this reason. The truth that Jesus is alive is the backbone of Christianity. If Jesus is not alive, then we’re to be most pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). The resurrection is make or break for Christianity. But I believe the evidence solidly proves that Jesus is alive and on His throne. If he is alive, isn’t that worth shouting from the rooftops? What better news is there than that reality? The power of sin is indeed broken. Sin and death are defeated.

I can get pretty wrapped up with sports. I love cheering on teams from my alma mater, the University of Tennessee. My family will attest that I may even shout and yell occasionally when our orange clad players score a touchdown or hit a big basket. Why is it that we get so into a sports event, but we shy away from pouring energy into worshipping the King who defeated our greatest adversary? I think it’s part of the enemy’s scheme to do everything possible to downplay his defeat. We should counterattack by proclaiming the greatness of our God and King. The Anthem is a song that works toward this end, and I’m grateful for it.

One recent change our worship and audiovisual team has implemented at Agape, our chapel community here in Korea, is to mix in Scripture verses with our slides that project the lyrics to the worship songs we are singing. It really enhances the worship experience by strongly linking our songs to the truth and beauty of God’s Word. It stirs up affection for King Jesus, and I’m thankful for the time and energy they invest into this practice.

By His stripes, we are healed
By His nail-pierced hands, we’re free
By His blood, we’re washed clean
Now we have the victory

The power of sin is broken
Jesus overcame it all
He has won our freedom
Jesus has won it all

Hallelujah, You have won the victory
Hallelujah, You have won it all for me
Death could not hold You down, You are the risen King
Seated in majesty, You are the risen King

By His stripes, we are healed
By His nail-pierced hands, we’re free
By His blood, we’re washed clean
Now we have the victory

The power of sin is broken
Jesus overcame it all
He has won our freedom
Jesus has won it all

Hallelujah, You have won the victory
Hallelujah, You have won it all for me
Death could not hold You down, You are the risen King
Seated in majesty, You are the risen King

Our God is risen, He is alive
He won the victory, He reigns on high
Our God is risen, He is alive
He won the victory, He reigns on high

Our God is risen, He is alive
He won the victory, He reigns on high
Our God is risen, He is alive
He won the victory, He reigns on high

Hallelujah, You have won the victory
Hallelujah, You have won it all for me
Death could not hold You down, You are the risen King
Seated in majesty, You are the risen King
Hallelujah, You have won the victory
Hallelujah, You have won it all for me
Death could not hold You down, You are the risen King
Seated in majesty, You are the risen King

Songwriters: Armando Christian Perez / Jonathan H. Smith / Rune Reilly Koelsch / Calixto Ochoa Campo / Wilfredo MartinezThe Anthem (Full Song) lyrics © Lil Jizzel Music Publishing, Songs Of Universal Inc., Greenelight Music