Resolutely he faced that wide traveling river, grateful for something nameless that seemed borne on its bosom, conscious of a strange expression of his soul, ready to see, to hear, to smell, to feel, to taste the wildness and wonder of freedom as he had dreamed it.”
–Zane Grey (Wanderer of the Wasteland)
“Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory.”
–Psalm 73:23-24 (NASB)
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The way may seem rough and weary. The water looks rough, the current fast, yet it is there for you to cross. When you stand and look at the raging river, you look back, but to what? There’s nothing to go back to, yesterday is gone, there’s only today and the hope of tomorrow. Take the step, perhaps the river, like the Jordan shall roll back for you to cross over.
“On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.”
–Samuel Stennett
Where are your treasures? Are they over on the other shore? Have you been storing up treasures in heaven, on the other side of the river?
This was one of the most popular hymns of the early 19th century. Manifest Destiny, the westward movement was in full swing. We are not much different than they when traveling through the journey of life. We travel over plains, through valleys. There are high mountains that must be traversed and sometimes gorges to cross along the way. However, while we travel through the worldly life, our Lord Jesus is there with us–such a comfort.
“All o’er those wide extended plains
Shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns
And scatters night away.”
Joshua wrote that “you have not been this way before” (Joshua 3:4). The weather may be fierce, the winds howl, or the valley that is before you that must be cross may have poisonous winds that choke and burn the eyes. Along the way the will be pain, suffering, and death, but the promise land is still before you. Go, go, do not falter in your journey.
“No chilling winds nor pois’nous breath
Can reach that healthful shore;
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death
Are felt and feared no more.”
How long will it take you to reach that shore of Jordan? Fifty years? Seventy? Some never see beyond the promise of youth, much less old age. One day all will stand on the banks of that “river.” All will cross over. For some it will be a happy land, a land flowing with “milk and honey,” a land where the Savior is waiting. For others the crossing will spell eternal doom. Thank the Lord, we you have accepted Him are able to cross with glee and anticipation.
“When shall I reach that happy place,
And be forever blest?
When shall I see my Father’s face,
And in His bosom rest?
I am bound for the promised land;
I am bound for the promised land.
O who will come and go with me?
I am bound for the promised land.”