I Know My Redeemer Lives, ELW 619
Devotion
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!
He lives triumphant from the grave;
he lives eternally to save;
he lives exalted, throned above;
he lives to rule his church in love.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
I know that my Redeemer lives, because once I had a funeral for a young woman about my age. She died from leukemia. At the funeral, her eight year-old son read what he called, "Ten Things I Love About My Mom." One of the things he loved about his mom was that she had taught him about Jesus' love. Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead so that his mom would have eternal life. After he spoke we sang this hymn. Easter faith brought great comfort to that grieving family. Jesus lives. He silences our fears and wipes away our tears. He calms our troubled heart (v. 4). Jesus lives, and I shall conquer death; he lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there (v. 7). I know that my Redeemer lives, because an eight year-old boy told me so.
Prayer
Almighty God, comfort those who grieve and give us peace in knowing that our Redeemer lives. Amen.