Hymns With A Message: I WON'T HAVE TO CROSS JORDAN ALONE

Sunday, September 7, 2014

I WON'T HAVE TO CROSS JORDAN ALONE

Few things are certain in this life. But one thing that is 100% certain is that, unless the Lord returns first, 100% of us will eventually die. For some that is a frightening thought, especially if they aren't prepared for what will happen after their physical death. But all believers have the assurance that they will go to be with the Lord, eternally. Jesus Himself promised that to us. He said that He was going to prepare a place for us and that He would someday take His children to that special place. The Apostle Paul said, "for me to live is Christ, but to die is gain". And all believers should feel the same. The problem isn't death itself, it is the concern about what the process may be to get to that point. And for many that journey is different, even though the final destination is the same. In recent years many of my friends and family members have made that journey. Some were sudden - a heart attack, a pulmonary embolism, a car crash. For some the journey was a little longer with things like diabetes or cancer. For some the journey was very long and difficult, often in a nursing home. In the Old Testament we read of the Israelites making the journey to the Promised Land. To get there they had to eventually cross the Jordan River. God safely led them across this river to the Promised Land. The Jordan has thus become a symbol of our final earthly journey, with death marking our crossing over the river to our promised land. Many hymns have used this crossing as a theme. I could not find any biographical information about the author of this week's hymn choice, Thomas Ramsey. Nor could I find anything about the circumstances which inspired him to pen these words. I can only assume that it may have happened after watching friends and family members make this final journey. And his words remind us that when we reach that river we won't need to cross it alone. Jesus will be there to comfort us and welcome us to our Promised Land. In the darkness of that hour He will be there, waiting for us, and showing us the way. You, too, may have heard stories about the unusual experiences that many believers have had as they passed away. God loves and cares for all of His children in special ways. Be assured that not only will He be our comfort and guide as we begin the journey, but He will be with us when we cross the Jordan. What a tremendous comfort that should be for all believers.

(1) When I come to the river at the ending of day

When the last winds of sorrow have blown

There'll be somebody waiting to show me the way

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

Jesus died all my sins to atone

In the darkness I see

He'll be waiting for me

I won't have to cross Jordan alone

(2) Often times I'm weary and troubled and sad

When it seems that my friends have all flown

There is one thought that cheers me and makes my heart glad

I won't have to cross Jordan alone