May 2025

We Serve a Risen Savior!

The great theologian Charles Spurgeon (1834—1892) once said, “… the singing of the pilgrims … is the most delightful part of worship and that which comes nearest to the adoration of heaven.” Every Easter we, as Christians, come together to honor and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, through beloved hymns and songs of faith.

 Alfred Ackley, a musician and preacher, wrote “He Lives” in 1933. Many know the hymn by its first line, “I serve a risen Savior.”

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;

I know that He is living whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

His refrain is joyous, reminding us all that Jesus rose from the dead as promised and remains alive today in the hearts and minds of all. It is a universal assurance of ‘Grace freely given’ for everyone no matter who they are or what mistakes they have made and hopefully learned from in the past.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me

Along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives,Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” `was penned by Charles Wesley (1707–1788), the prolific hymn writer and pastor, who, along with his brother John, were to become known as the founders of the Methodist Church.

Sung as the processional hymn on Easter Sunday in churches around the world, it is certainly one of most well known and beloved Easter hymns. Originally, the hymn consisted of eleven stanzas and had slightly different lyrics than the hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today, which is how many mainstream churches have sung it for several generations now. 

There is one verse that I particularly miss every time this hymn is sung. The original penultimate stanza is penned as follows —

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia! Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

I, as a Lutheran, do gleam some “musical compensation,” however: we get a Doxology at the end! 

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!

Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!

Praise Him, all ye heav'nly host, Alleluia!

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

NOTE: Second Sunday Singers will next sing on Mother's Day (May 11th).  

Blessings,

Ben 🎵