The song for Thursday,
January 15, 2026
“MY SAVIOR FIRST OF ALL”
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.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him
CHORUS:
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) Thro’ 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.
CHORUS:
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.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
By the print of the nails in His hand.
The story behind the song “MY SAVIOR FIRST OF ALL”
When Crosby was told it was a pity she couldn’t see, she famously replied she longed for the first face she’d ever see in heaven to be Jesus’…a concept John R. Sweeney incorporated into the hymn’s lyrics and melody, capturing believers’ anticipation of meeting Christ after death.
The Origin Story
The Minister’s Comment: A minister once expressed pity that God hadn’t granted Fanny Crosby sight, to which she responded,..when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior”.
Collaboration: Musician Dr. John R. Sweeney was inspired by this profound idea and collaborated with Crosby, setting her words to music, first published in 1894.
Themes of the Hymn
Eternal Hope:
The hymn expresses the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life, focusing on the ultimate joy of meeting Jesus.
Personal Recognition:
It emphasizes the personal desire to see Jesus before anyone else, a theme that resonates deeply with grieving families and those awaiting eternity.
Fulfillment of Scripture:
The lyrics echo scriptural promises, like Psalm 17:15 (“I shall behold thy face in righteousness”) and 1 Peter 1:7-8, about rejoicing in Christ even unseen.
Fanny Crosby’s Perspective
(as a prolific hymn writer who was blind from infancy) embodied the hymn’s message, looking forward to the heavenly vision of Christ more than any earthly sight.
I love how this singing group, The Mullins, performed this song. Their harmony is very tight and near the end they do a key change, which leads to a 40s Big Band kind of sound.’-Debra
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