Articles
Don't You Want to go to that Land?
Several years ago, I was visiting a congregation in central Florida for Sunday worship services. During my time there, I learned about a hymn I was not acquainted with prior to my visit there. As you probably can surmise from the title of this article, the name of the hymn is: Don’t you want to go to that Land? Some of you may be familiar with the song and others may not. I love learning new hymns, but more importantly I love learning the messages they are communicating. Before I tell you what the hymn speaks about, one of the reasons this hymn stuck with me was because of the manner with which the congregation sung the song. As I listened and observed, I was overwhelmed with the joy and bliss that everyone’s faces conveyed and the conviction and passion with which they were singing this song. Even the young children sitting not too far could be heard singing atop their little lungs. Indeed, every hymn coming forth from the mouths of disciples should be sung in such a manner but what was so special about this hymn?
The song speaks about God’s children attaining a home in Heaven. The title of the hymn is written in a rhetorical manner leaving the reader or the audience to think about the response for themselves. I believe the author does this purposefully, so everyone can consider if there is really anywhere else they would want to go. This is further demonstrated in the hymn as the author describes that there is nothing but love, joy, peace and a Savior in that land. As I pondered over the message of the hymn I could not possibly think of a better place I’d rather be. And that’s the point! There is no alternative to this place which is Heaven. There is no better option to consider. This is where God is, where He dwells and where His love abounds forevermore. There is perfect peace and joy that you can’t find elsewhere save only Jesus Christ. Friends, I want you to really think about these words. Don’t you want to go to that land? If you do, are you doing everything you can to get there? Have you repented of your sins and been baptized for the forgiveness of your sins? Are you living a faithful life in service to Jesus Christ your master? If not, then you may very well not end up in that land someday. Do what’s necessary to get there. I want to go there, don’t you?
