Spring has opened its doors and so did our LORD when He opened the grave for His Son’s resurrection that shut Him in days before. This act completed God’s promises of old, granting us a new life in harmony with the Father. Some would suggest this whole Easter story is a fable, but God’s Word is definitive, complete with witnesses to His death and His resurrection. Yes, and even his post-resurrection appearances to so many of His followers.
The Lenten season on the church calendar is the lead into Holy Week and all of its activities during our LORD’s last week prior to His death. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday remind each of us of our LORD’s journey to the cross of shame and glory.
The Christian Church has many hymns celebrating this wonderful Easter season. Yes, Easter is a season and not just a day. The church celebrates the season on seven Sundays leading up to Pentecost. One such hymn that has been sung since the 18th century was written by Pastor Samuel Medley. Originally, Samuel Medley was in the Royal Navy but was wounded in battle in August 1759. Following his naval service, he was introduced to the gospel and joined a Baptist church. It was through Andrew Gifford that he heard the Holy Spirit calling for him to enter the ministry.
Samuel Medley was prolific in his hymn writing – totaling some 230 hymns. Each was originally written on a single sheet and published in Gospel Magazine and other publications. One such hymn is I Know That My Redeemer Lives. His original hymn was in seven verses, but later the verses were arranged to give us the current version (8 verses). Most renditions are to the tune of Duke Street.
Medley’s title was taken from the Old Testament book of Job. Job is generally included in the Wisdom section of the Old Testament. Uncertainty is the word that best describes this book in terms of who wrote it, where Uz was located, and when it was written. Theories range from the second millennium to the Babylonian exile and everything in between. But regardless, it is the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Let us first look at the words taken from Job 19:25-27. “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me.” (NIV)
Job’s book begins with a statement that he was “blameless and upright.” These qualities are quickly followed by “he feared God…and shunned evil.” The LORD and Satan have a short conversation about Job and his fear (respect) of the LORD. “Was it for nothing, Satan inquired?” The result was God allowing Satan to take everything from Job – except the man himself.
A footnote in my Concordia Self-Study Bible, says, “Job expresses confidence that ultimately God will vindicate his faithful servants in the face of all false accusations, and in the end, he will stand.” Like Abraham, this man had sincere faith in God and His promises. Yes, Job understands that earthly death may occur, but he is confident in seeing his God with his own eyes! Amen!
This powerful word faith is not unique to Abraham or Job, but to all who trust in the one True God! Our LORD himself, while on earth, comments about the faith He sees in various individuals. The author to the Hebrews also describes faith as something we hope for but cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1) But in the end, faith will result in blissful eyesight that is our final destination with the Messiah himself.
As Christians, let us all rejoice as did Job that even in our suffering, we can rely on God’s promises. Medley’s hymn is indeed Spirit-guided. I would encourage you to pick up your hymnal and find the hymn and read each of the eight verses. But for now, let me close with verses one and eight which highlight Medley’s joy.
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, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus still the same;
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives;
I know that my Redeemer lives!
(LSB, 461, vs. 1 and 8)
May you and I express in true confidence, I KNOW, yes, I KNOW. During this season of Easter, may we remember that His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God was for you and me (and those of faith in times past) to redeem us from eternal damnation to eternal bliss with our Redeemer.
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand
GHR
