"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

Samuel Medley (1738-1799), the author of this hymn, was a midshipman in the British Royal Navy. While recuperating from wounds sustained in battle, Medley heard a sermon by Isaac Watts. This led to Medley's conversion, and he eventually became a minister in England.

The kids and I are reading through the story of Joseph in Genesis, and each time I read it I am profoundly reminded of God's hand in all things, even when they seem to be horrible misfortunes. The life of Samuel Medley appears to be yet another example of God's providence.

(Statue of "Christ the Redeemer" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)


"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

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 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 triumphant from the grave,
He lives eternally to save,
He lives all glorious in the sky,
He lives exalted there on high.

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, 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 Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!