Beyond This Land of Parting
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by Tullius C. O’Kane
Introduction:
“Beyond This Land of Parting” is a hymn of eternal hope and confident
faith. Written by Tullius C. O’Kane, this hymn draws our eyes beyond the
sorrow, separation, and suffering of this life to the glory, joy, and
peace that await the faithful in heaven. It beautifully echoes
scriptures like Revelation 21:4 and 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, which remind
us that the things we now endure are temporary—but what is coming is
eternal.
Life is filled with
trials. We part from loved ones, we experience loss, we live with
sickness, and we witness evil. Yet in Christ, none of these things will
last forever. This hymn gives voice to the longing of every Christian
for the place Jesus has prepared—where we shall see Him face to face and
dwell in endless peace. It is not wishful thinking—it is a sure promise
for the redeemed.
As we study this
hymn, let it renew our focus on the life to come. Let it anchor our
hearts in heaven, stir our determination to be faithful, and remind us
that beyond this land of shadows, there is light everlasting—in the
presence of our Savior.
Stanza 1:
“Beyond this land of parting, losing and leaving...”
The first stanza acknowledges one of the hardest realities of
life—parting. We lose loved ones to death, we are separated by time,
distance, and sometimes even sin. But the Christian’s hope lies
beyond this land. 1
Thessalonians 4:13–18 assures us that we will be reunited with the
faithful who have died in Christ.
We also leave behind
much that is painful and fleeting. Hebrews 13:14 reminds us: “For here
we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.” In heaven,
there will be no more farewells, no empty chairs, no final goodbyes.
Only togetherness, forever. In the words of Revelation 21:4, “There
shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.”
Stanza 2:
“Beyond this land of weeping, waiting, and fearing...”
This stanza points to emotional and spiritual burdens—grief, delay, and
fear. Here we mourn and wait for things to change. We worry about the
future. But there is a land beyond where none of those things exist.
Isaiah 25:8 promises, “The Lord God will wipe away tears from all
faces.”
In heaven, there is
no more waiting because every promise is fulfilled. No more fear because
perfect love has cast it out (1 John 4:18). The throne of God is
surrounded by peace, not anxiety. Our hope is not in earthly security,
but in the eternal presence of our Savior.
Stanza 3:
“Beyond this land of sinning, fainting, and falling...”
Here, we face the weariness of battling sin and weakness. Romans 7:24
captures Paul’s lament: “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me
from this body of death?” We stumble and fall in this life, even when we
are striving to do right.
But
beyond, there is no more sin.
Revelation 21:27 assures us that “nothing unclean” will enter that
place. In heaven, we will be freed from the struggle, clothed in
righteousness, and perfected forever in Christ. No more temptation. No
more guilt. No more failure. Only victory and peace with God.
Stanza 4:
“Beyond this land of waiting, seeking, and sighing...”
This stanza repeats and intensifies the longing. Life here is filled
with seeking—searching for answers, comfort, justice. We sigh with
frustration, sorrow, and anticipation. Romans 8:23 says that even we who
have the Spirit “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as
sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
But there is a land
where all searching ends in satisfaction. Where every prayer is
answered, every need fulfilled, and every sigh turned into a song. Psalm
16:11 declares, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand
are pleasures forevermore.”
Chorus: “Land
of the unclouded day...”
The chorus lifts our eyes to the beauty of heaven. A place not marred by
shadows, storms, or sin. A land where we will see Jesus and never know
sorrow again. Revelation 22:5 says, “There shall be no night there...
for the Lord God gives them light.” The “unclouded day” is more than
poetic—it’s the reality of being forever in the glory of God, where no
darkness remains.
Beyond This
Land of Parting Sermon Outline:
Stanza
1: Parting, Loss, and Eternal Reunion
-
Life involves
separation and sorrow: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
-
This world is
not our permanent home: Hebrews 13:14
-
No more parting
in heaven: Revelation 21:4
Stanza 2:
Tears, Fear, and Fulfillment
-
God will wipe
away every tear: Isaiah 25:8
-
Heaven holds no
fear or delay: 1 John 4:18
-
Fulfillment of
every hope and promise
Stanza 3:
Freedom from Sin and Weakness
-
Earthly
struggles with sin: Romans 7:24
-
Heaven is a
place of purity: Revelation 21:27
-
No more
temptation, failure, or regret
Stanza 4:
Longing and Sighing Replaced by Joy
-
Groaning while
we wait: Romans 8:23
-
Eternal joy in
God’s presence: Psalm 16:11
-
Heaven satisfies
every righteous longing
Chorus: The
Unclouded Day with Jesus
-
No night in
heaven: Revelation 22:5
-
God is our light
and peace
-
Glory in His
presence forever
Call to Action:
Are you living for that unclouded day? This life is filled with shadows,
but those who are in Christ walk in hope. If you have not obeyed the
gospel, do not wait. Repent, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized for
the remission of your sins. Then live faithfully, longing for the land
beyond this land—a place where sorrow ends, joy is full, and the Son
never sets. Be ready. Heaven is real, and it is waiting for the
faithful.
Scripture
Reference List:
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 – Reunion with the faithful in Christ
Hebrews 13:14 – No continuing city here
Revelation 21:4 – No more death, sorrow, or crying
Isaiah 25:8 – God will wipe away all tears
1 John 4:18 – Perfect love casts out fear
Romans 7:24 – The struggle against sin
Revelation 21:27 – Nothing unclean shall enter heaven
Romans 8:23 – We groan waiting for redemption
Psalm 16:11 – Fullness of joy in God’s presence
Revelation 22:5 – No night there, for God is the light
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized for forgiveness
Song Author
Credit:
“Beyond This Land of Parting” was written by
Tullius C. O’Kane
(1830–1912), an American hymn writer and preacher. His works often
emphasized hope in Christ and the beauty of eternity. This hymn reflects
his deep faith in the promises of scripture and the assurance of a
heavenly home for the faithful.
Song History:
“Beyond This Land of Parting” became popular among churches of Christ
for its gentle melody and rich doctrinal message. Often sung at funerals
or times of mourning, it reminds believers that heaven is not a vague
hope but a real place prepared for God’s people. Its words continue to
comfort, inspire, and point us home.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
