ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The news of Jesus’ resurrection results in a prayer: “Stay with us.” This hymn is also a prayer - but even more - this hymn tells us what it means for the Risen Lord to abide among us. When God’s grace [or favor] is heard, Satan has no power over us, and sin has no place at the table. Instead, God’s favor is given continuously and without end.
Stanza 2 // The power of God’s Word is not only for disciples’ on the walk to Emmaus, where the hidden meaning of Scripture is revealed. For those who wonder what it may have meant to hear Jesus Himself unpack the meaning of Scripture, look at the resulting testimony of the disciples. They testify to the resurrection. The Word Christ gives us is the same - one of peace and joy - that we might know God’s promise now and forever in heaven.
Stanza 3 // Christ as our “precious light” is contrasted here with the state of the disciples before the announcement of resurrection. They are lost in “error’s gloomy night” unable to see the Risen Christ, even as he walks among them - even knowing the tomb is empty! The light of Christ opens our eyes to see and ears to hear the truth of Scripture. The Messiah suffered, was crucified, and raised to new life for our sake.
Stanza 4 // For those who wonder what it means to “grow in faith” or receive a “blessing” from God, this stanza is clear. We know more of God’s grace and wisdom through the Word Christ speaks. Like the first disciples, this Word is given in bread and wine, water, and the opening of Scripture to reveal Christ - our Messiah - crucified and risen.
Stanza 5 // In this stanza, we extol Christ not only as Savior, but faithful. This means Christ is faithful to the promise He makes. When our Lord’s resurrection is announced, this means our Lord abides with us through all the difficulties this life brings, that we might reach our heavenly home, where we abide with Christ forever.
SUGGESTIONS:
