What connection does Remembering All-Saints Day have with Isaac Watt’s great hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross? I will confess that I have never thought of such a connection before this week. But, my brother Michael sent me a meditation that inspired me to connect the two.
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REMEMBERING ALL-SAINTS DAY
By the Rev. Dr. Michael Frazier
Though the early Reformers of the sixteenth century abolished all celebrations related to departed saints of God because of their deep pastoral concern for people who believed that the saints could offer prayers on their behalf, the Reformers saw this as a direct challenge to the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement for sin, and His priestly intercession.
Blessed are the Dead
Yet, the Bible does remind us:
“And I heard the voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.”
Imitate Their Faith
Revelation 14:18
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the Word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
More Than Conquerors
Hebrews 13:7, 8
May we too take courage through the vision of our departed Christian saints of God who have gone on to Heaven before us in Christ’s victorious Church, those who worshiped the triune God with us during their earthly lives, who taught us by their example and personal instruction, who now view the sight of their blessed Savior, who with us will find with them that we are “more than conquerors through Him who has loved us” on that glorious Resurrection Day, to glory in that wonderous truth for each of us...
...” that in my flesh, will I see God.”
Benediction
Job 19:26
“May our dear Lord Christ be and remain our dear Lord Christ, praised forever. Amen.”—Martin Luther
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Remembering is important to all of us. We continually remember important dates and events in our lives that provide both meaning and context. The fourth of the Ten Commandments emphatically declares, “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy.” Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter after times of preparation and remembering during Advent and Lent. And, we share communion in response to Jesus’ words, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Isaac Watts invites and connects all Christians, past, present and future, in considering the “Wondrous Cross.” What better start could we have in “Remembering All-Saints Day” than through singing, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
Click below for When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – The Hymn of the Week
