AUDIO
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Archbishop Peter Jensen's Christmas Message 2011 on the centrality of Jesus to human history
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In Victorian times, everyone wanted to talk about death, and no-one wanted to talk about sex. In the modern era, it is precisely the reverse.
Well, that overstates the case a little. After all, death is ever-present in the media - it could hardly be otherwise. But there is little reflection on the gravity and significance of death. Death is an inescapable certainty for each and every human being, yet to spend too much time contemplating death is to be dismissed as morbid, and possibly even unstable.
But we can’t escape death, we can only briefly shut our eyes to it’s horror. I’ve been spared the loss of close ones myself, but church is a place where I’ve been exposed to death. Many brothers and sisters have dealt with bereavement, sometimes for those who were far too young. I’ve been awestruck by their courage and faith.
We recently introduced a new song at church, It is Not Death to Die. It is an old hymn that has been beautifully re-worked by Sovereign Grace -
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.
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 forever more.
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 has been very well received by the church, and well sung too. I cannot think of another song that deals so honestly, yet also so hopefully, with the subject of death. I hope a few more of our churches will pick this one up.
What great words articulating the Christian's hope and assurance, whilst acknowledging the reality of death in our fallen world.
Having just googled it, I think the mood of the music matches the content and is singable too. A good addition to the church playlist.
Hope it's not out of order to provide a link where the Sovereign Grace version of the song can be previewed here, with a further link there to sheet music etc.
For those who are interested, the hymn's original author was Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864) and it was translated by George Bethune. Bob Kauflin has apparently slightly updated verse wording and added a chorus in this version.
This brief biographical article explains that Malan was a French Christian (with links to Geneva), who trained as a Minister before he was converted! But after understanding the gospel, he became a keen evangelist.
The article compares the impact of his hymn writing to Isaac Watts and the Wesleys in the English speaking world. It explains that Spurgeon knew him and was grateful for Malan's welcome to Geneva. It also says Malan helped lead Charlotte Elliott to Christ, and his advice inspired the writing of her famous hymn, "Just as I am without one plea".
Kristy - good luck, hope it goes well.
I could see where he was going, but was probably overly picky. A song cannot say everything and as someone else commented, it seemed an appropriate meditation on Phil 1:21-23.
I cannot recall another song that is so focused on the subject of death, yet in a positive way. Can anyone think of any others?