"I Shall Know Him..."

My grandfather, Edward H. Garlock had a deep and resounding bass voice.  It was not diminished with age, and at 88 years it still reverberated strong as he sang.  I hold a clear memory of him playing a Hawaiin guitar and singing his favorite song:  "My Savior First of All".

Grandma, Jessie May's, strong soprano would join him in an impromptu session of hymn singing.  But, the melody that stands out in my mind is this one:

"When my life's work is ended and I cross the swelling tide, and the bright and glorious morning I shall see; I shall know my redeemer when I reach the other side--for His smile will be the first to welcome me:

"I shall know Him, I shall know Him, as redeemed by His side I shall stand.  I shall know Him, I shall know Him, by the prints of the nails in His hands."

Often as he sang and came to the line:  "as redeemed by His side I shall stand"; his strong voice would crack and his lip tremble as tears began to roll down his face.  Though his evil past was behind him, buried in the sea of God's forgetfulness--he never ceased to be humbled and thankful for the price Christ paid for his sin.

I know it was with great joy and eager anticipation that he looked forward to gazing into the face of his Savior, Jesus Christ.  If ever there would be a picture of the mercy and grace of God--it would be as Edward H. Garlock stood--redeemed by Christ's side. 

"Generations", a story of the redeeming power and love of Christ will be available soon!