Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

HOME OF THE SOUL

This entry was posted on 06-26-2009 and is filed under HEAVEN.

In 1912 a man named James Rowe sat down and wrote a beautiful poem about Heaven that was set to music in the same year by Samuel W. Beazley, "Home of the Soul." I used to hear this song sung at camp meetings and it still bless me, even though the words are now nearly 100 years old.

If for the prize we have striven, after our labors are o'er.
Rest to our souls will be given, On the eternal shore.
Yes, a sweet rest is remaining for the true children of God,
Where there will be no complaining, never a chastening rod.
Soon, the bright homeland adorning, we shall behold the glad dawn;
Lean on the Lord till the morning, trust till the night is gone.

Refrain:
Home of the soul, blessed kingdom of light, free from all care, and where falleth no night. Oft in the storm we are sighing for Thee, beautiful home of the ransomed beside the crystal sea.

Words like these come from two sources: Scripture and the longing in the heart of man for a "bright homeland." The ancients "declare plainly that they seek a homeland...a better, that is, a heavenly country" (Heb. 11:15, 16 NKJV). And, "there remains a rest for the people of God" (Heb. 4:9 NKJV). And of course, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them" (Rev. 21:3 NIV).

Prayer: Loving Lord, we thank You for that "beautiful home of the ransomed beside the crystal sea."

Next week we will begin a journey through Revelation 21 & 22.