Musical Encouragement #20- "On Jordan's Stormy Banks"
It seems there are an unusual amount of people around me staring heaven full in the face. A couple from my old church that were my youth leaders and close mentors growing up have less than a year left in their battle with cancer. You would never know it to look at them, but they will probably be with the Lord before my next birthday. I have friends who've called in hospice for their parents and a sweet man in our choir who regularly reviews his funeral service with me and the other members of our staff at church.
All of these individuals are facing heaven with different perspectives. For the couple mentioned above, they are eagerly anticipating being with their Savior. Of course they will miss their three sons, three daughters-in-law and grandchildren, but their eyes are fixed on their Prize and they are finishing well. I hope I face my end with the same grace and excitement to see my Lord.
As Christians, we may be considered strange to have this view of death and the next life. The reality is that the next reality is where we should all be focused. As our song says, we "cast a wishful eye to Canaan's fair and happy land, where my possessions lie." Nothing is more encouraging than knowing that our possessions, our home, is not attached to this world, but is secure in the hands of our God in the next.
On Jordan's Stormy Banks
words by Samuel Stennett ~ music by Christopher Miner
arrangement by Indelible Grace Music
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, and cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land, where my possessions lie.
All o'er those wide extended plains, shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns, and scatters night away.
Chorus:
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the promised land.
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the promised land.
No chilling winds no poisonous breath can reach that healthful shore;
Sickness, sorrow, pain and death, are felt and feared no more.
When shall I reach that happy place, and be forever blessed?
When shall I see my Father's face, and in His bosom rest?
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