Well, it’s Wednesday, and I can’t make up my mind.  Have you been there before?  I do know which song I want to share with you, but I’m just not sure about which version.  Today’s song is “Ain’t No Grave.”

This spiritual was penned in 1934 by the fairly famous singer-songwriter and Pentecostal Holiness preacher Bro. Claude Ely.  Ely pastored churches in Kentucky, Virginia, and Ohio and hosted a radio program called “The Gospel Ranger Show,” which aired all throughout Appalachia.  He was a pioneer in rockabilly gospel music and died in 1978.

There is a version of Ely’s out there, but I’ve got my mind vacillating between Johnny Cash’s version and Selah along with Jason and Adam Crabb’s version.  Both are really good but have different moods.  Selah and Crabb’s is closer to what Ely originally wrote with its upbeat and celebratory rock feel, but Cash’s just grips my soul.  Its darker and more somber mood and folkie feel still has a decidedly triumphant shimmer to it.  Perhaps that’s because it was recorded by a man who was basically on his deathbed.  Cash’s version is believed to be the last song he recorded before he died.  Truly a fitting ending!

Well, I can’t make up my mind.  So, here’s both.  You be the judge, but just know that if you are in Christ, the Judge has already counted you righteous and because of that, when Jesus returns, you’ll be raised from the grave to everlasting life with God!

There ain’t no grave can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave can hold my body down
When I hear that trumpet sound I’m gonna rise right out of the ground
Ain’t no grave can hold my body down

Well, look way down the river, what do you think I see?
I see a band of angels and they’re coming after me
Ain’t no grave can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave can hold my body down

Well, look down yonder Gabriel, put your feet on the land and sea
But Gabriel don’t you blow your trumpet ’til you hear it from me
There ain’t no grave can hold my body down
Ain’t no grave can hold my body down

Well, meet me Jesus, meet me. Meet me in the middle of the air
And if these wings don’t fail me I will meet you anywhere
Ain’t no grave can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave can hold my body down

Well, meet me mother and father, meet me down the river road
And momma you know that I’ll be there when I check in my load
Ain’t no grave can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave can hold my body down

____________________

The resurrection is going to be awesome!  Jesus’ resurrection is our first fruits.  The grave couldn’t hold Him down, and neither can it to those who trust in Him.  Praise the Lord this Wednesday!