Hymns With A Message: JUST OVER IN THE GLORYLAND

Sunday, October 2, 2016

JUST OVER IN THE GLORYLAND

I love to hear and sing songs which speak of heaven. They serve as special reminders of what is ahead for each believer and this hope is something we all need in these troubled times in which we are living on this earth. Even though James Acuff (1864 - 1937) wrote the words of this week's hymn choice over a century ago, he too must have been looking for that time when we would join our Savior in heaven, the glory land which Jesus is preparing for His family. Acuff was the sixth of seven children born to a minister and his wife in Texas. He became a beloved song-leader and hymn writer among the Churches of Christ in the southwest and is credited with writing several gospel songs. His career spanned nearly fifty years. No details are available concerning the circumstances behind the writing of this week's hymn. However, it isn't hard to imagine that Acuff looked forward to the special home where saints abide and to be with the Lord in gloryland. He knew it will be a joyous land where the blood washed throng would sing and shout glad hosannas to Christ, the Lord and King. The tune (Dean or Gloryland) was composed by Emmet Sidney Dean (1876-1951), a Methodist musician who provided melodies for a number of gospel songs. The upbeat tune for this song adds to the excitement and expectation that we should have for our future experience in gloryland. Are you looking with expectation to that glorious time? Do you have the assurance that someday you will join the saints by the side of their precious Savior? That hope and assurance can be yours if you but put your trust in Jesus and what He has done to provide you with forgiveness of sins. Then you too can sing with us today, "What a joyful thought that my Lord I'll see, just over in the glory land; And with kindred saved, there forever be, just over in the glory land." Will I see you there?

1. I've a home prepared where the saints abide,

Just over in the glory land;

And I long to be by my Savior's side,

Just over in the glory land.

Just over in the glory land,

I'll join the happy angel band,

Just over in the glory land;

Just over in the glory land,

There with the mighty host I'll stand,

Just over in the glory land.

2. I am on my way to those mansions fair,

Just over in the glory land;