Based on Revelation 22:1, which says, ‘Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.’ (NIV) The song was written by Robert Lowry in 1864 and published by the American Tract Society.
It’s incredible to think that one tiny portion of scripture could have had such a global impact. The song in 1876 was the anthem of the Swedish revivalist movement. It has been sung hundreds of millions of times around the world during the last 150 years.
The last verse says, ‘Soon we’ll reach the shining river; soon our pilgrimage will cease. Soon our happy hearts will quiver; with the melody of peace.’ We will all, as Christians, have that prophetic moment, The day when we see Him there physically for the first time; that is something to look forward to.
Quote
Our work on earth will be done when we gather at the river.
Prayer
Lord, captivate my heart with thoughts of witnessing Your Glory in Heaven. Amen.
Action Point
You can get the full story of this wonderful hymn at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shall_We_Gather_at_the_River%3F
Copyright notices
(NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Use in other publications. You can use all of this devotional when including this credit. Copyright © Carl Brettle. Subscribe for free via www.faithlift.org
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