I Know That My Redeemer Lives

This last week I have been away doing a weeks study at the Wales Evangelical School of Theology. On Friday it was my turn to lead the morning worship, and having spoken on the scripture "Remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel,.." (2 Timothy 2:8) we sang, 'I Know that My Redeeemer Lives' by Samuel Medley, a hymn I haven't sung in a long time, and my what a hymn! It was so appropriate to the text!

Now when you read the text it's not that Timothy had forgotten Jesus, or the gospel, no, it's that he needs to realise and appropriate the truth of the risen - no, more than that, the alive Christ, the One who came and dwelt in this 'stuff' (this real, tangible, human flesh), who was tempted and tried just like we are, but overcame, who went down into death bearing our sin and is alive today from the dead! There is a man in heaven who is our saviour, who is able to encourage and empower us because he has, and does symapthise with us.

Enjoy the hymn! Know the truth! (The actual version we sang was an edited one from Praise, but I have included the full version here for your blessing).

I know that my Redeemer lives!
What joy this great assurance 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, heavenly 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 saviour, still the same;
What joy this blest assurance gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!