Shall We Gather

Scripture Reading: Numbers 20:22-29

              Robert Lowry was inspired to write the hymn “Shall We Gather at the River” while sitting on his couch contemplating heaven. He was imagining it as a place where the saints were congregating near the banks of the cool, clear river of life. Lowry wondered why there were so many songs about the river of death but none about the river of life. So, he set about to write one, and the result is this famous hymn.

              When Aaron’s life came to its end it is spoken of in two ways in Numbers 20. On the one hand, there are those dark words “die” and “perish.” But there is also the hopeful phrase “gathered to his people.” Both things are true. Death is dark and dreary. Therefore, we grieve when it comes. It is also hopeful. And thus we grieve, but not as those who have no hope.

              Because of Christ’s resurrection, we have hope in our own. We will leave and be left while in this world. But in the next, we will be gathered with our people.

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.