That last river which we all
must pass over. Thomas Sherman, Divine Breathings
or A Pious Soul Thirsting After Christ The Israelites were necessitated
first to pass over the Jordan River before they could enter
Canaan, the promised land. But no sooner had the feet of
the priests who bore the Ark of the Covenant rested in the
water, but the proud waves saw it and fled. and the swelling
streams were driven back and congealed in heaps to enable
them to pass over with safety. Every child of God resembles
an Israelite in this respect. He is passing through the wilderness
of this world and traveling to the land of promise. Death is
that Jordan River which runs between this wilderness world
and our heavenly Canaan. Death is that swelling stream
which overflows the banks of every mortal creature. It is
that last river which we all must pass over. But this is the
happiness which believers have, that Jesus Christ, our High Priest,
who bears the everlasting covenant upon His shoulders, has already
dipped His feet in the streams of this water, so that the streams
of bitterness are diverted, the sting of death plucked out, the
waters of the salt sea dried up, Yes, the power of the curse
cut off, So that death is but a sure step to glory. Why then am I afraid to die? The channel is dry. I see the
footsteps of my Saviour at the bottom, And heaven and happiness
on the other side. The waters cannot overwhelm my
soul, They may go over my sins, they may go over my foes, they
may go over my miseries, they may go over my troubles, but
my soul shall pass over to its eternal rest. Lord, therefore
fit and sanctify me for death, and then take down my earthly
tent. I cannot be with you too soon. I desire to depart and be with
Christ, which is better by far." Philippians 1.23.