Your Redeemer Lives!

Born on this day in 1681, Georg Philipp Telemann was considered the greatest composer of his era. (Johann Sebastian Bach received an important position in Leipzig only after “the best man”—Telemann—wasn’t available.) Telemann also was the most prolific composer of all time, completing more than 800 works.

Telemann grew up in an environment surrounded by the church. His father was a minister in Magdeburg, in north central Germany, and his mother was the daughter of a minister. As a child, Telemann displayed unusual musical abilities, mastering several instruments. After studying law in college, he decided to concentrate on music and was largely self-taught. His big break came in 1721, when he was appointed director of church music in Hamburg, where he remained until his death in 1767.

Telemann penned huge volumes of church music. One Easter, he turned to the book of Job as inspiration for a cantata called, in English, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” His cantata sought to help listeners realize what the Resurrection meant for their lives. He knew it wasn’t merely a myth or cultural event: “On this rests my faith that as a rock bears the firm belief to hope of happiness.”

Telemann brings us through the pain of Jesus’ death “as He was struck with so many wounds from sharp scourges.” He endured “so many jeers with pain” and “his head was crowned with thorns and wretchedly torn.” He “bore the shame and disgrace of the Cross.” But everything changed with the Resurrection. Telemann even expressed the hope of seeing Jesus and spending eternity with Him!

Today, remember that Jesus truly has risen from the dead! No matter what you’re going through, you can celebrate. Your Redeemer lives!