This week I taught chapter 5 of 2 Corinthians. In light of verse 21 (along with 4.14, 16-18, 5.1-10, 17; Isa. 52.13-53.12), I find this hymn fitting.
Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense
By: Berlin
Jesus Christ, my sure defense
And my Savior, now is living!
Knowing this, my confidence
Rests upon the hope here given
Though the night of death be fraught
Still with many an anxious thought.
Jesus, my redeemer, lives;
Likewise I to life shall waken.
He will bring me where he is;
Shall my courage then be shaken?
Shall I fear, or could the head
Rise and leave his members dead?
No, I am too closely bound
By my hope to Christ forever;
Faith’s strong hand the rock has found,
Grasped it, and will leave it never;
Even death now cannot part
From its Lord the trusting heart.
I am flesh and must return
To the dust, whence I am taken;
But by faith I now discern
That from death I will awaken
With my Savior to abide
In his glory, at his side.
Then these eyes my Lord will know,
My redeemer and my brother;
In his love my soul will glow
I myself and not another!
Then the weakness I feel here
Will forever disappear.
Then take comfort and rejoice,
For his members Christ will cherish
Fear not, they will hear his voice;
Dying, they will never perish;
For the very grave is stirred
When the trumpet’s blast is heard.
Oh, then, draw away your hearts
From all pleasures base and hollow.
Strive to share what he imparts
While you here his footsteps follow.
As you now still wait to rise,
Fix your hearts beyond the skies.
Hymn # 266 from Lutheran Worship
Author: Johann Cruger
Tune: Jesus, Meine Zuversicht
1st Published in: 1653
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