LET THE TRUTH OF THE RESURRECTION SATURATE YOUR HEART THIS EASTER
JESUS LIVES AND SO SHALL I
by Christian F. Gellert (1757) and translated by John Dunmore Lang (1826)
PART FOUR: GERMAN HYMNS
Hymns, Fables and a Bit of Hypochondria
Christian Gellert was a well-known author, poet and forerunner of the Golden Age of German Literature. He is now most remembered for his popular book of fables and six poems that Beethoven chose to put to music.
Gellert originally started his work as a pastor, but had difficulty memorizing his manuscripts which was a requirement of the church at the time.
Gellert then became a professor and an excellent one with the likes of Lessing and Goethe among his students. His pupils loved him and Gellert was known for taking a personal interest in each one.
Like all God's people, Gellert had his share of trials to help deepen his faith. Gellert suffered multiple illnesses —both real and unreal – due to a tendency toward hypochondria. According to his biographers, Gellert was able to keep his bouts of hypochondria in check due to his desire toward godliness and holy conduct.
His love for God and God's Word is evident throughout his many hymns, including "Jesus Lives and So Shall I."
As you sing this hymn, remember . . .
Because Jesus lives, we can have:
Life (st. 1), Purpose (st. 2), Victory (st. 3), Assurance (st. 4) and Courage (st. 5)
Read & Relate
Jesus Lives and So Shall I
by Christian F. Gellert; translated by John Dunmore Lang
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.
John 14:19; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Timothy 1:1
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.
2 Timothy 2:11-13; Revelation 11:15; John 3:16; Daniel 2:44; Revelation 20:4-6
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.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Romans 8:37; Romans 6:14; 2 Corinthians 2:14
Jesus lives! I know full well
Naught from Him my heart can sever,
Life nor death nor pow'rs of hell,
Joy nor grief, henceforth forever.
None of all His saints is lost:
Jesus is my hope and trust.
Romans 8:38-39; 1 John 5:13; John 10:28-29; Ephesians 1:13-14
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.
1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:18
