Day 25 - There is a redeemer

“Thank You, o my Father,

for giving us Your Son,

And leaving Your Spirit,

till the work on earth is done.”

This song was penned by Melody Green, husband of Keith Green, who wrote the final verse. He included this song in his early 1980’s album “Songs for the Shepherd.” Melody grew up in the Jewish faith which adds poignancy to her two verses and chorus. Keith’s verse (see below) has a tragic prophecy as he and two of his sons died on 28th July 1982, when his plane crashed.

When I stand in glory

I will see His face,

And there I’ll serve my King for ever

In that holy place.

I loved this song even before I researched its background. This simplicity of saying “Thank You” for each of the trinity as well as emphasising God’s promise of “leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done,” stresses God’s help, sacrifice, and ongoing support. Many of us will have been told to say please and thank you from an early age. So, saying thank you to God makes senses and stops my mother from turning in her grave.

Keith Green emphasises his future Joy at standing in God’s presence and serving Him for ever. He is so thankful that he is willing to serve God for eternity. Wow. Yes, wow.

Are we still thankful for what God has done for us? Do we still say thank you (and when appropriate please) in private, corporate worship, and in public? How easy it is to slip into accepted normality and coast along with your ongoing faith. We need to acknowledge the sacrifices made for us, give thanks regularly, be assured of our ongoing faith, and be confident of our destiny. I remember once meeting someone who was facing major surgery, and they recounted how they assured the surgeon they were not worried about the risks because they knew where they were going. This was not an arrogant boast but an affirmation of faith. Do we have that confidence?

Let each of us gives thanks for what has been done for all of us, both as individuals and as a family of believers. Let us claim the confidence of faith and look forward to our time in glory when we shall see God’s face. As we are reassured in Philippians:

“Being confident of this, that he who begins a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” - Philippians 1:6

Prayer

Father, we thank you for giving us Your Son, and leaving Your Spirit, until the work on earth is done. We are honoured to be your children and to rejoice in our shared inheritance. Please help us to be ever grateful for all that you have done and continue to do for us. Amen

Michael Rolton