Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey
And perhaps we'll never meet anymore
Till we gather in Heaven's bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore
If we never meet again this side of Heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the side of the river of life
(Where the charming roses bloom forever)
(And where separation comes no more)
If we never meet again this side of Heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore
Oh, they say we shall meet by the river
Where no storm clouds ever darken the sky
And they say we'll be happy in Heaven
In the wonderful sweet by and by
(Where the charming roses bloom)
If We Never Meet Again Video
If We Never Meet Again Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The Blackwood Brothers, an American southern gospel quartet, released the song "If We Never Meet Again" in the 1950s. The song has been a popular choice for Christian funerals and is often played at the end of a service. It speaks to the hope and assurance that Christians have in the promise of eternal life and a reunion in heaven.
The Meaning of the Song
The lyrics of "If We Never Meet Again" speak to the reality of our temporary existence on earth and the hope of eternity with God. The song acknowledges the struggles and strife we face in this life, but also looks forward to the joy and peace that await us in heaven. The chorus of the song captures this sentiment:
"If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the side of the river of life"
The song reminds us that while we may experience separation and sorrow in this life, we have the promise of a reunion with our loved ones in heaven. It also speaks to the comfort and assurance that Christians have in knowing that they will be reunited with God.
The Inspiration and Story Behind the Song
The inspiration behind "If We Never Meet Again" is not clear, as there are various versions of the song with different writers credited. However, the sentiment behind the song is one that is common in Christian hymns and gospel music. The idea of longing for a reunion in heaven is something that resonates with many Christians, especially those who have experienced loss or separation from loved ones.
The song also draws inspiration from the biblical concept of heaven and the promise of eternal life. In John 14:1-3, Jesus tells his disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." This promise of a place in heaven with Jesus is a source of hope and comfort for many Christians.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Song
The lyrics of "If We Never Meet Again" are not directly taken from any specific Bible verse. However, the sentiment and themes of the song are consistent with many biblical concepts related to heaven and eternal life. Here are a few relevant verses:
- Revelation 21:4: "‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
- John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
- Philippians 3:20-21: "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
Practical Application for Christian Living
The message of "If We Never Meet Again" is a reminder to Christians that our time on earth is temporary and that we should focus on the eternal life that awaits us. It is also a reminder to cherish our relationships with loved ones and to hold onto the hope of a reunion in heaven.
One practical application of this song in Christian living is to live with an eternal perspective. This means recognizing that our time on earth is short and that we should prioritize our relationship with God and our loved ones. It also means living in a way that reflects our hope in eternal life and sharing that hope with others.
Another practical application of this song is to find comfort and assurance in the promise of heaven. Christians can find peace in knowing that they will be reunited with their loved ones and with God. This can provide comfort in times of loss and can also inspire Christians to live with hope and joy in the present.
Conclusion
"If We Never Meet Again" is a beautiful and poignant song that speaks to the hope and assurance that Christians have in the promise of eternal life. The song reminds us that our time on earth is temporary and that we should focus on the eternal life that awaits us. It also speaks to the comfort and assurance that Christians have in knowing that they will be reunited with their loved ones and with God. As Christians, we can find practical application in living with an eternal perspective and finding comfort in the promise of heaven.
