“I Know That My Redeemer Lives!” ELW 619 and LBW 352
1 I know that my Redeemer Lives!
what comfort this sweet sentence gives!
he lives, he lives, who once was dead;
he lives, my ever-living head!
2 He lives triumphant from the grave;
he lives eternally to save;
he lives exalted, throned above;
he lives to rule his church in love.
3 he lives to grant me rich supply;
he lives to guide me with his eye;
he lives to comfort me when faint;
he lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
4 he lives to silence all my fears;
he lives to wipe away my tears;
he lives to calm my troubled heart;
he lives all blessings to impart.
5 He lives to bless me with his love;
he lives to plead for me above;
he lives my hungry soul to feed;
he lives to help in time of need.
6 He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend;
he lives and loves me to the end;
he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing;
he lives, my prophet, priest and king!
7 He lives and grants me daily breath;
he lives, and I shall conquer death;
he lives my mansion to prepare;
he lives to bring me safely there.
8 He lives, all glory to his name!
he lives, my Savior, still the same;
what joy this blest assurance gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!
Devotion
God loves you. How do we know? Christ lives for you. I would encourage you to read this hymn aloud without its music. Listen as you read. Listen to the repetitive rhythm. Listen to the emphasis of each couplet. Listen for the focus that centers and calms and slows our busy, “quick” read. He lives … he lives … he lives. “What comfort this sweet sentence gives! What joy this blest assurance gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!” Any questions?
Prayer
Lord, it is enough. Today, it is sufficient. In only two words, it’s a statement of faith and hope – simple, profound and (almost) unbelievable: He lives. Thank you. Amen.