Hymns With A Message: WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN

Sunday, May 17, 2009

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN

This week's hymn has always been one of my favorites. I love the words, I enjoy the harmony, and I love to be with a group that sings it enthusiastically, believing the truths it shares. I always choose to sing it when I am worship leader for a week at Pinebrook or at the Senior Saints Retreat. We also sang it at the close of my father's memorial service in February. It is such a song of hope. Well, it now has a vivid new meaning for me. Now whenever I sing it I will recall and picture a very special moment. Last Sunday afternoon, as my brother was close to breathing his last breath, we sang hymns around his bed. We had just concluded "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", and had begun "When We All Get To Heaven" when Terry took his last breath here on earth and was escorted into the presence of Jesus. The words of this hymn were never as appropriate and meaningful as they were at that moment. Terry is now there and we who are the Lord's will soon join Him and then together we will "sing and shout the victory!". What a day of rejoicing that will be. How do I know this? Because Jesus has promised it to His children. And that is enough for me. So sing along with enthusiasm and hope!

(1) Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,

Sing His mercy and His grace.

In the mansions bright and blessèd

He'll prepare for us a place.

When we all get to Heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

We'll sing and shout the victory!

(2) While we walk the pilgrim pathway,

Clouds will overspread the sky;

But when traveling days are over,

Not a shadow, not a sigh.