Jesus Lives, and So Shall I

This past weekend I had the privilege of officiating the funeral for a military veteran, and member of our church. At the graveside service, I read two stanzas of a wonderful text written by Christian Gellert in 1757. It is a tremendous text of the glorious hope we have, both in this life, as well as for eternity, because of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Here is the text in full. May it greatly encourage you as well.

Jesus lives, and so shall I. Death! thy sting is gone forever! He who deigned for me to die, Lives, the bands of death to sever. He shall raise me from the dust: Jesus is my Hope and Trust.

Jesus lives, and reigns supreme, And, his kingdom still remaining, I shall also be with him, Ever living, ever reigning. God has promised: be it must: Jesus is my Hope and Trust.

Jesus lives, and by his grace, Vict'ry o'er my passions giving, I will cleanse my heart and ways, Ever to his glory living. Me he raises from the dust. Jesus is my Hope and Trust.

Jesus lives! I know full well Nought from him my heart can sever, Life nor death nor pow'rs of hell, Joy nor grief, hence forth forever. None of all his saints is lost; Jesus is my Hope and Trust.

Jesus lives, and death is now But my entrance into glory. Courage, then, my soul, for thou Hast a crown of life before thee; Thou shalt find thy hopes were just; Jesus is the Christian's Trust.