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The story is told of Fanny Crosby, that sweet hymnist of our country, of how it was that she wrote the lyrics to My Savior First of All. One summer night at a Christian camp in Western New York near Lake Erie, an aged Fanny was enjoying a summer evening on the porch in a rocking chair, when she was joined by one John Sweney, who was himself also musician and song writer. 

After sharing their love of hymns and Christian music together, Sweney lamented how such a fine Christian had been born blind. Fanny’s reply to him was surprising. “Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition to my Creator, it would have been that I should be born blind?” She then explained to him her reasoning behind such an unbelievable sentiment, saying, “Because, when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” Perhaps not knowing just how to respond, Sweney asked, “Since you have never seen anyone, when you get to Heaven, how will you know who Jesus is?” Fanny waved off his concern with a smile, “Oh, that’s easy. I will just walk all over heaven and ask people if I may see their hands, for when I see the nail prints in His hands, I will know who Jesus is.” Sweney was swept up with her incredibly vivid imagery of meeting Christ for the first time in glory and asked Fanny if she could capture her thoughts in a poem that he could set to music. The next day she handed him a sheet of paper with the words of the now famous hymn.

How my grandmother loved that story, and it was she who first recounted it to me. I can never hear this song without thinking of her. And how difficult it is sometimes when I sing it in church, as the lyrics of the third verse are impossible to get through if you have loved ones waiting for you in Heaven.

Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come,

And our parting at the river I recall;

To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home;

But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

Such a wonderful scene is portrayed by these words. Sometimes it is as if the portal of Heaven glimmers ever so slightly on Sunday morning as I stand behind the pulpit to lead this song. I can see them at the river. Grandma and Grandpa, waving to me. No longer feeble and old, but youthful and happy, as perhaps their eldest daughter, Cathleen, might just remember them from very early days, when she was a little girl playing games like Aggravation before bedtime on a summer evening.

Oh, how this little crowd has grown over the years. My great-grandmother stands there with them, too (we called her Gummie)! Aunt Janet is there by Grandpa’s side, holding his hand and leaning her head on his shoulder. Her daughter, Sarah, runs up to join them, followed by her brother Jeremy. They sing such a song that, for a moment, I forget the pain of losing them. Joyful smiles spread over their faces as they sing! Then they make room for another, one whose face is not immediately recognizable. He joins their sweet melody, and when He motions to Jeremy to squeeze in closer, I glimpse a scar on His hand. When He swings His other arm around Grandpa’s neck, I see another scar on that hand, too. It’s Him! Yes, indeed, Fanny was right: “I shall know Him, by the print of the nails in His hand.”

What a wonderful Gospel we have received in Jesus Christ! With all these things in mind, I can’t help but think of the unexpected events of the last few months. I received a call from my brother, Nathanael, in early July saying, of all things, that he had not only been invited to preach at his church, but that he had accepted his pastor’s invitation. He asked if I would help him outline his thoughts and develop his sermon. The Friday before the big Sunday, I took him out for a steak dinner, and we proceeded to craft the finishing touches of his message. Although he had never even imagined preaching a sermon, he appeared to be ready to go— but, boy, was I nervous!

When Sunday morning came, I let him know that Mom and Dad and I were praying for him. Then, when the time drew close, an exciting thought came to me, so I quickly texted him: “There’s a great cloud of witnesses gathered round you this morning: Grandma & Grandpa, Gummie & Aunt Janet, Jeremy & Sarah.” Those who had run their race were no doubt cheering him on, for he had obeyed the call of the Master to preach the Word to His people.

What a blessed hope we have in Christ! Those who have gone on before us have left us an incredible heritage of faith, calling us to be faithful as they beckon us home with their sweet song of welcome. All will be worth it when our loved ones introduce us to the One we have served, to Him whom, like blind and faithful Fanny Crosby, having not seen we love—and yes, we will surely know Him, by the print of the nails in His hand. With scarred hands we shall be embraced, and with a scarred hand shall we be led on to our heavenly home. A home with our family in the Lord’s kingdom. A home with the family of God. And so shall we ever be with the Lord. Oh, let us comfort one another with these words!

1. When my life work is ended, and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see;
I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side,
And His smile will be the first to welcome me.

Refrain

I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand

2. Oh, the soul thrilling rapture when I view His blessed face,
And the luster of His kindly beaming eye;
How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace,
That prepare for me a mansion in the sky.

3. Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come,

And our parting at the river I recall;

To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home;

But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

4. Through the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white,
He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.