The words of the song are over 180 years old. One would think that something written that long ago could not retain its meaning in modern times. Such a conclusion would be mistaken. John R. Wreford (in 1837) wrote the hymn, “When My Love to Christ Grows Weak.” The words of that hymn are so moving. Consider this fourth verse, “There behold His agony, Suffered on the bitter tree; See His anguish, see His faith—Love triumphant still in death.”
Think about those last words: “Love triumphant still in death.” The concepts of “death” and “victory” do not often go together. Usually “death” is associated with “loss” or “defeat”—but not when it comes to our Lord! “Through death,” Jesus was able to “destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14-15). His love was “triumphant still in death.”
What about us? Will our “love” lead us to triumph in our service to the Lord? Only if we do not give up! No matter what happens to us, if we focus on magnifying Christ in all things, then even for us, death can be “gain”—i.e., ultimate victory (Phil. 1:20-21)!