I'm not sure what had me thinking about death recently (perhaps the passing of Tim Russert?) ...but the words of this Fanny Crosby hymn struck me as ones that are reassuring and comforting—that one day, when I die, I will go to heaven—and I will see and know my Savior, and He will see and know me as His own.
But on the other hand, a challenge: Do I truly long to meet My Savior, First of All?
My Savior First of All
When my life work is ended, and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see;
I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side,
And His smile will be the first to welcome me.
Refrain
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
Oh, the soul thrilling rapture when I view His blessèd face,
And the luster of His kindly beaming eye;
How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace,
That prepare for me a mansion in the sky.
Refrain
Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come,
And our parting at the river I recall;
To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.
Refrain
Through the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white,
He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.
Refrain
1 comment:
This is my MOST favorite for two reasons. The first being because it brings back such warm and endearing memories for me. As a child my parents would take me to hear the traveling choir of "The Children's Bible Hour" with Uncle Charlie heard on our local christian radio station. I remember one precocious little girl who often sang solos was named Julie. She was blind and my age and it left such an impression on me that she sang a song written by a blind woman about SEEING her Savior first when she reached Heaven. The second reason I love this song is because I DO absolutely want to see my Savior first of all, and I too will know Him, by the prints of the nails in His hands. What a magnificent piece of writing!!
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