Forever
Kari Jobe
The Eternal Victory of Resurrection: Kari Jobe's 'Forever'
Kari Jobe's 'Forever' is a powerful Christian worship song that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope it brings to believers. The lyrics poetically recount the events of the crucifixion and the miraculous resurrection, emphasizing the defeat of death and the eternal glory of Christ. The song begins with a somber reflection on the crucifixion, with vivid imagery of the cosmos mourning ('The Moon and stars they wept') and the weight of humanity's sins ('The weight of every curse upon Him'). This sets a tone of gravity and sorrow for the sacrifice that was made.
As the song progresses, it transitions from the darkness of Christ's death to the triumph of His resurrection. The lyrics 'The ground began to shake, The stone was rolled away' symbolize the earth-shattering event of the resurrection, while 'His perfect love could not be overcome' speaks to the power of Christ's love to conquer death itself. The repeated question 'Now death where is your sting?' is a direct reference to 1 Corinthians 15:55, challenging the finality of death in the face of Christ's victory.
The chorus and bridge of 'Forever' are anthemic and celebratory, with the repetition of 'Forever, He is glorified' and 'We sing hallelujah' serving as a declaration of Christ's enduring glory and the joy of salvation. The song's focus on the eternal nature of Christ's reign ('Forever, He is risen') and the repeated affirmation that 'He is alive' underscore the central Christian belief in the living presence of Jesus. Kari Jobe's musical style, often characterized by its emotive and atmospheric qualities, enhances the spiritual and worshipful message of the song, inviting listeners to join in the celebration of resurrection and eternal life.