The Resurrection

O God of my Exodus,

Great was the joy of Israel’s sons,

         when Egypt died upon the shore,

         Far greater the joy

         when the Redeemer’s foe lay crushed

         in the dust.

Jesus strides forth as the victor,

   conqueror of death, hell, and all opposing

     might;

He bursts the bands of death,

   tramples the powers of darkness down,

   and lives for ever.

He, my gracious surety,

   apprehended for payment of my debt,

   comes forth from the prison house of the grave

   free, and triumphant over sin, Satan, and death.

Show me herein the proof that his vicarious offering

     is accepted,

   that the claims of justice are satisfied,

   that the devil’s sceptre is shivered,

   that his wrongful throne is levelled.

Give me the assurance that in Christ I died,

   in him I rose,

   in his life I live, in his victory I triumph,

   in his ascension I shall be glorified.

Adorable Redeemer,

   thou who wast lifted up upon a cross

   art ascended to highest heaven.

Thou, who as Man of sorrows

   wast crowned with thorns,

   art now as Lord of life wreathed with glory.

Once, no shame more deep than thine,

   no agony more bitter,

   no death more cruel.

Now, no exaltation more high,

   no life more glorious,

   no advocate more effective.

Thou art in the triumph car leading captive

   thine enemies behind thee.

What more could be done than thou hast done!

   Thy death is my life,

   thy resurrection my peace,

   thy ascension my hope,

   thy prayers my comfort.

(The Valley of Vision)