SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life. It was shining like crystal and was flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the street of the city......Nothing that God judges guilty will be in that city. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and God’s servants will worship him". Revelation 22:1-3 (NCV)

One hot afternoon in July 1864, Pastor Robert Lowry (A professor of literature) was resting on his sofa, visions of heaven pervaded his senses. He saw the bright golden throne room and a multitude of saints gathered around the beautiful, cool, crystal, river of life. He was filled with a sense of great joy. He began to wonder why there seemed to be many hymns that referenced the river of death, but very few that mentioned the river of life. As he mused, the words and music to "Shall We Gather at the River" came to his heart. Since that day the hymn has become a favourite song at camp meetings, water baptismal services and funerals. It was sung in two Academy Award Winning movies: Trip to Bountiful (1986) and Three Godfathers (1916).

I woke up this morning singing the Yoruba version of this powerful hymn. The wordings of the hymn ministered to my soul and am eagerly looking forward to that day when we shall finally gather at that beautiful, cool, crystal river of life. The question however is will you be there? According to Revelation 20:15, if you name is not written in the book of life, you can't be there?. So, friends, Is your name in the book of life?

"....Then another book was opened: the Book of Life. The dead were judged by what was written in the books, by the way they had lived....Each man and woman was judged by the way he or she had lived. Then Death and Hell were hurled into Lake Fire. This is the second death—Lake Fire. Anyone whose name was not found inscribed in the Book of Life was hurled into Lake Fire". Revelation 20:11-15 MSG 

Beloved, please join me to sing this wonderful hymn as we look forward to that glorious and beautiful river of life.

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?

Refrain:
       Yes, we'll gather at the river,
       The beautiful, the beautiful river;
       Gather with the saints at the river
       That flows by the throne of God.

On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will talk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.

Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.

At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Savior's face,
Saints, whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.

Soon we'll reach the silver river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.

Good day and God bless you IJMN.  Amen

Maranatha!

Bro Okanlawon Taiwo