I. INTRODUCTION
Samuel Stennett (lyrist, 1727-1795) was a Baptist Preacher in
London England. This arrangement uses his words to the melody
written by T. C. O'Kane. The original music can be found in other
song books, in which the chorus is, "O who will come and
go with me? I am bound for the promised land."
II. Verse 1
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye
to Canaan's fair and happy land where my possessions lie.
Gen. 13:8-12, Num. 33:50-56, Matt. 3:1-6, 3:13-17, Gen. 9:22-26,
11:30-32, 17:1-8, Ex. 6:3-8, II Cor. 4:6-18, II Tim. 4:6-8, James
1:12, I Pet. 5:4, Rev. 2:10.
When Lot and Abraham were looking over the land, Lot choose the
rich land associated with the Jordan. However, Abraham choose
the Land of Canaan. When Lot had to flee he went to Canaan. This
land was part of the promise made to Abraham. As the Children
of Israel were approaching the promised land, they had to cross
over Jordan to enter the Land of Canaan to receive the promises.
We as Christians symbolically look over Jordan to our promised
land (Canaan), a home with God in eternity. The hope of this eternal
life, is what motivates us to follow him and to try to persuade
others to do so.
III. Verse 2
O the transporting, rapturous scene that rises to my sight!
Sweet fields, arrayed in living green, and rivers of delight.
I Thess. 4:17, Rom. 2:1-11, Rev. 22:1-5.
We can only imagine what Judgment and eternal life with God will
be like. Many passages in the Bible paint a mental picture for
us, but are unable to convey to us the true glory of God. Speculating
what the New Heavens and the New Earth will be like may encourage
us, but our true concern should be the make sure that we will
be there to experience it!
IV. Verse 3
O'er all those wide extended plains shines one eternal
day; there God, the Sun, forever reigns, and scatters night away.
Gen. 13:10, Rev. 21:10-27, 22:5, Isaiah 60:19.
When we cross the plains of Jordan (life), then cross over Jordan
(death) we will reach Canaan's land (New Jerusalem), where there
will be no need for the Sun as we know it, God will be the light.
Darkness and night (evil) will be done away with by this light.
V. Verse 4
When shall I reach that happy place, and be forever blest?
When shell I see my Father's face, and in his bosom rest?
II Tim. 2:10-11, Mark 10:29-31, Rom. 6:23, Ex. 3:6, Psa. 80:3,
Luke 16:23-31, Heb. 4:9.
What a goal for us to set for ourselves! Living eternally with
the best and blest of all ages. Seeing God's face is a great blessing.
Being able to behold the one that created us would be joy enough,
but we will be rested from our earthly journey within the bosom
of God.
VI. Verse 5
Filled with delight, my raptured soul would here no longer
stay; Tho' Jordan's waves around me roll, fearless I'd launch
away.
I Thess. 4:17, II Sam. 22:5-7, Matt. 8:23-27, 14:23-33.
We as Christians should be filed with delight, that we have a
tremendous hope. It should motivate us to look to the day when
our souls are taken up to judgment. Here on this earth, however,
there are things that pound against us. We need to be fearless
in pushing forward to the goal of eternal life. Waves (problems
and temptations) will always beset us, but we need to be fearless
in launching our ship (following Jesus).
VII. Chorus
We will rest in the fair and happy land, by and by; just
across on the evergreen shore, sing the song of Moses and the
Lamb, by and by, and dwell with Jesus evermore.
Psa. 144:15, 146:5-6, James 5:10-11, Rev. 15:3-4, II Cor. 4:11-17.
As we have said in precious lessons, true eternal rest and happiness
is found in Jesus Christ. If this is not our goal, we will not
dwell with him in eternity, but rather suffer eternal damnation.