“O Think of the Friends Over There”
I love the hymn, “O Think of the Home Over There” for a lot of reasons. It is bright and cheerful, while also having a very serious and moving message.
One of my favorite things about that great song is the emphasis on the fact that some have already crossed over to the other side. Honestly, as much as I love that song, I am usually choking back tears as I sing it, because it brings thoughts of so many people to my mind.
But there are three aspects of that song that I want to consider, each of which has something to do with our friends who are “over there.”
More than Chronology
One line of the hymn states, “O think of the friends over there, who before us the journey have trod.”
Focus on that little word “before.” Certainly, there is an aspect of simply chronology there. The idea is that they have died before we have, so they finished their journey here before we have.
However, is there not more than that wrapped up in that little word? Is it not also true that they have lived their life of faith “before” us; as in, they have set an example of faith for us?
There are so many people who have helped me be a better Christian in many aspects of that walk simply by the example they have set. They have walked “before” me, and helped me to be better. While our ultimate and highest standard is the Bible itself, there are some who simply exemplify that standard in various aspects of their life and help us see how to live.
And, when their journey is finished, we miss them.
They are Watching and Waiting
“…Are watching and waiting for me.”
I don’t fully understand the opening phrases of Hebrews 12, but it seems that the list of those listed in Hebrews 11–both named and unnamed–are in that great “cloud of witnesses” and are watching us. Many over the years have commented that it is as if we are now in the arena, and they are in the stands, cheering us on in our Christian race.
I don’t know, nor can I know, how that works, but it is a great comfort to me. When I think of people who have finished their journey, it gives me comfort to think that they are cheering me on through this life. What a powerful motivator!
Heaven Grows Sweeter and Sweeter
The older I get, the more I think of heaven and long to go there. Certainly and undoubtedly, the number one reason why I want to go to heaven is to be with God and to honor and praise and thank Him forever and ever.
That said, God has promised that heaven will be as sweet as possible, and one reason that is true is that we will be with those have gone before us and who we miss so dearly in this life. As we sing, “Many dear to my heart” are over there.
Some are dear friends. Others are people whose lives have barely intersected with mine, but who have helped and influenced me more than they know. Just in the last couple of weeks, names like brother Flavil, sister Tommie, and brother Pat all left this life. I knew them at different levels, but all impacted my life of faith, and I miss them. But knowing I can reunite with them again only makes heaven sweeter.
Conclusion
I don’t know what language we will speak in heaven. But whatever language it is, one word we will never have to say a single time in that great place is “goodbye.”
Are you ready for that home, my friend?
I’ll soon be at home over there,
For the end of my journey I see;
Many dear to my heart, over there,
Are watching and waiting for me. (T.C. O’Kane)
“I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 8:11)
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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
