Author's Note: In celebration of Good Friday and Easter, I originally intended to post this Chord in two parts. However, with the craziness that was my Easter, I wasn't able to get the second part written. So, I've gone back and reworked this chapter, completing the song. Hence the reason for the re-post. I apologize for the delay, but celebrating Jesus's resurrection is something Christians should do everyday. "Glorious Day" was written by John Wilbur Chapman and is in the public domain. This version of the song was written by Michael Blecker and Mark Hall, and recorded on Casting Crowns' album Until the Whole World Hears. Enjoy! ~lg

oOo

The music caught Ronon's attention as he walked onto the balcony. Sheppard always listened to heavy rock music, and Ronon liked that kind of music. This was different. Soft chords of a piano—at least that's what Sheppard called it—came from the small iPod in his hand.

One day when heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He.

The Word was made flesh
And the Light shined among us
His glory revealed

"Hey, Sheppard." Ronon interrupted the song.

His friend turned and glanced at him. "Oh, hey."

"You okay?" Ronon scowled, concerned. He'd rarely seen Sheppard so subdued, and it concerned him.

"Fine." Sheppard shrugged. "Just thinking."

"About what?"

Sheppard held up the iPod. "What the song's saying."

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He.

The hands that healed nations
Stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

'Cause living He loved me
Dying He saved me
Buried He carried my sins far away.
Rising He justified me
Freely forever.
One day He's coming,
Oh glorious day!

Ronon's grin started as the song went on. He didn't understand who this Jesus was and why the cross was so significant. But he understood honorable death in battle. It sounded like Jesus was a martyr. "So, what's on your mind?"

"Just. . .today."

"What about it?"

"It's Good Friday."

"What?"

Sheppard turned and let out a deep sigh. "Good Friday is the day we traditionally celebrate the death of Jesus."

"And He was. . .?"

"The Son of God." John turned off the music. "He came to Earth and died for all humanity."

"Why?"

"To redeem us and save us from our sins."

"You really believe that?"

"Yes." Sheppard nodded. "I really believe that. McKay thinks I'm nuts, and I know you don't really understand everything, but it's part of me now. And this weekend—Easter—is a big reason why it's a part of me. Jesus was God in human form, and He sacrificed Himself so that all humanity didn't have to bear the guilt for their sins.

"Remember when we were captured along with you? Right after Rodney got shot with the arrow?" John went on. "Well, you were about to sacrifice yourself to save just me and Teyla. Jesus did just that, but for everyone, not just a few."

Ronon narrowed his eyes. "So, He died? Why follow a guy who's dead?"

"Because he didn't stay that way." Sheppard shrugged. "Easter Sunday celebrates the day He rose from the dead."

"Like when the Wraith bring someone back from the dead?" Ronon asked, thinking back to his recent incarceration with the Wraith once worshiped by Tyre.

Sheppard screwed up his face in that classic way that said he was trying to figured out how to say something. "Not exactly. He rose out of His own power."

"Oh." Ronon jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. "Well, I was looking for you. Wanted to know if you wanted to spar a bit."

"Maybe later." John turned back to the horizon. "Just give me a few more minutes."

"Okay." Ronon walked away, leaving his friend and team leader to his thoughts. The remainder of the song played through his head.

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer.
One day the stone rolled away from the door.
Then He arose, over death He had conquered.
Now He's ascended, my Lord forever more.

Death could not hold Him,
The grave could not keep Him from rising again

Living He loved me,
Dying He saved me,
Buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified
Freed me forever
One day He's coming back
Glorious day!

How did a man rise from the dead? Ronon knew it was possible with the Wraith, but he'd never heard of it happening with a mere human before. The simple power over death made this Jesus one of the most powerful men in history.

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming.
One day the skies with His glories will shine.
Wonderful day, my Beloved One's bringing,
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine.

Was that really how Sheppard felt? If so, who else felt that way? Sheppard's words about Jesus, especially the reason for his death, confused Ronon. He'd been ready to kill himself to save Sheppard and Teyla because he loved them. But that was his family, his friends. What kind of man would sacrifice himself for the entirety of humanity? And then rise again to demonstrate his power?

Ronon didn't know, but he thought that a man like that just might be the kind of person he'd one day like to meet.