Thursday, September 10, 2009

It is not death to die

It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God

It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

(Refrain)
O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just

It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore
O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

_____________

My lovely sweet auntie Crystal went home to Jesus yesterday

one moment she was enjoying a vacation drive on the Oregon coast with her husband, on the way to see some of her kids and grandkids in seattle...
the next moment a car suddenly swerved into their lane...

...a moment of terror and shock...

...and then, she was looking at the face of Jesus
...who drew her into his arms and comforted her.

the shock is still ringing for those still here;
husband, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters,

all of us who love her are in shock and heartache

the same Jesus will also draw us into His arms and comfort us.

truly, we do not grieve as those who have no hope.
we grieve, and are comforted by One who also wept.

Those who trust in Him will in his mercy find, that it is not death to Die.

_______________________________________

the lyrics to this song are based on a hymn by Henri Malan (1787-1864) that was translated into English by George Bethune (1847). The song is from Sovereign Grace Music. I couldn't find a functioning easy way to post it and didn't want to try and figure it out late at night. So, take a minute and listen to the whole thing by clicking Here.
(give it a second as the player on top loads the song, press the play button.)

It is a beautiful song... more so because it is true.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Thats a beautiful song. I'm sorry to hear about your auntie :(. I'll be in prayer for you guys. May all the sweet fruit of the Spirit of God be within you and your family.
I read that until at least the late eighteenth century, many Christian tombstones and memorials were inscribed with the Latin word 'resurgam', which means "I shall rise". What a statement of hope and victory!

"O death, where is your sting ?"

Ethan Larson said...

Hey Jonathan thanks for the comment, nice to hear from you. drop me a line and let me know what are you up to these days.