seeing, believing, knowing...

John 21:12
"Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" - knowing it was the Lord."

I find it interesting that John used the word "knowing" here. He didn't write the words "seeing" or "believing,"(v. 20:29) but "knowing." They didn't recognize Him by His physical appearance (v. 4) and they didn't just have a hunch that this guy on shore might be Jesus. They knew for certain. Peter knew so certainly that he threw himself into the sea and swam about 100 yards to meet Him (v. 7). (I find it interesting also that Peter put on his outer garment to jump into the water... while the was most likely out of respect it would have been much harder to swim. Did Peter plan on swimming or walking instead?)

So has my faith moved beyond seeing and believing to knowing?
Do I have the confidence, certainty and boldness to declare what I know and not just what I believe? It's bold to say along with the hymn writer Samuel Medley "I know that my redeemer lives." What a beautiful hymn.

I Know that my redeemer lives
Words by Samuel Medley (1775)

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.

He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives triumphant from the grave,
He lives eternally to save,
He lives all glorious in the sky,
He lives exalted there on high.

He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His Name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!

Jesus - strengthen my faith beyond question. Give me certainty and boldness to declare that I KNOW that my redeemer lives and that He is alive and active in my life and world. Amen.