I’ll Fly Away
A Sermon based on
the hymn by Albert E. Brumley
Introduction
“I’ll Fly Away” is one
of the most well-known gospel hymns in American history and one of the
most joyful declarations of Christian hope ever written. Composed by
Albert E. Brumley in
1929, this hymn expresses the Christian’s longing for freedom from the
burdens of life and the ultimate promise of eternal rest in the presence
of God. Brumley, whose early affiliations included the church of Christ,
wrote this hymn while working in the cotton fields, longing for
something better—something beyond this broken world.
This hymn captures
the biblical image of life as a temporary journey. Psalm 90:10 reminds
us that our days are “soon cut off, and we fly away.” The child of God
understands that death is not the end—it is the doorway into something
greater. As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:23, he had a desire “to depart,
and to be with Christ; which is far better.” “I’ll Fly Away” is a hymn
of that hope. It is a reminder that, though we live in a world of
trouble, sin, and sorrow, we are not bound to it forever.
This hymn doesn’t
celebrate death—it celebrates
deliverance. It lifts the eyes of the weary and assures the
faithful that a brighter morning is coming. The world may weigh us down,
but the gospel lifts us up. When the final trumpet sounds and the Lord
calls His own, we will leave behind the pain of this life and fly away
to eternal joy.
Stanza 1
“Some glad morning
when this life is o’er,
I’ll fly away;
To a home on God’s celestial shore,
I’ll fly away.”
This opening stanza
is rooted in biblical truth. The Bible speaks of death as a departure—a
moment when the soul leaves the body to be with the Lord (2 Corinthians
5:8). The “celestial shore” refers to that eternal home promised by
Jesus in John 14:2–3: “I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am,
there ye may be also.” The phrase “some glad morning” reflects the
Christian’s hope that even in death, there is joy because it leads to
the reward we have longed for. It is not wishful thinking—it is a
confident expectation.
Stanza 2
“When the shadows of
this life have gone,
I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I’ll fly away.”
This stanza paints a
vivid picture of release. Life is filled with shadows—trials,
temptations, and limitations. But for the Christian, these are
temporary. Romans 8:18 reminds us that “the sufferings of this present
time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be
revealed in us.” The image of a bird escaping prison captures the
freedom and joy that awaits us when we leave this earthly life behind.
We are not meant to be bound forever by the frailty of the flesh. We
were made for eternity with God.
Stanza 3
“Just a few more
weary days and then,
I’ll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I’ll fly away.”
This stanza speaks
directly to those who are tired, discouraged, or suffering. Life is
hard. But for the faithful, it is also short—“just a few more weary
days.” Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” The “land where joy
shall never end” is heaven—a place where, as Revelation 21:4 promises,
“there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall
there be any more pain.” The end of weariness is the beginning of
eternal joy.
Chorus
“I’ll fly away, O
glory,
I’ll fly away;
When I die, hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away.”
The chorus is an
outburst of celebration and assurance. The phrase “O glory” reflects the
anticipation of the believer who longs to enter into the glorious
presence of God. Titus 2:13 speaks of “that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” The
“hallelujah” is not for dying—but for what lies beyond. This chorus
echoes 1 Thessalonians 4:17: “Then we which are alive and remain shall
be caught up together… to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever
be with the Lord.” And so, we sing:
I’ll fly away.
I’ll Fly Away Sermon Outline:
Introduction:
-
Written by
Albert E. Brumley in 1929
-
Inspired by
Psalm 90:10 and the biblical theme of departure
-
A song of hope,
not despair—focused on heaven
Stanza 1 – A
Glad Departure:
-
Life will end,
but the soul will rise (2 Corinthians 5:8)
-
Heaven is our
prepared home (John 14:2–3)
-
Death is not the
end for the believer—it is the beginning of glory
Stanza 2 –
Freedom from Life’s Shadows:
-
Life’s struggles
will pass (Romans 8:18)
-
The soul longs
for freedom from the flesh
-
A bird from
prison symbolizes the soul released to God
Stanza 3 –
Endurance and Joy Eternal:
-
This life is
brief and filled with toil (Galatians 6:9)
-
Heaven is a land
of endless joy (Revelation 21:4)
-
We must not give
up—the reward is sure
Chorus –
Confident Hope in Christ:
-
“O glory”
expresses longing for God’s presence (Titus 2:13)
-
“When I die,
hallelujah” reflects joyful anticipation, not fear
-
The believer
lives to fly away and be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Call to Action
Are you living like
someone preparing to fly away? This world is not our home, and death is
not our end. Jesus offers hope, forgiveness, and eternal life to those
who obey Him. Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins
(Acts 2:38), and live every day as a citizen of heaven. When your last
day comes, you won’t face it with fear, but with joy—knowing that your
Lord waits for you. You’ll rise, you’ll rejoice, and yes—you’ll fly
away.
Scripture Reference List
Psalm 90:10 –
“...and we fly away”
Philippians 1:23 – Desire to depart and be with Christ
2 Corinthians 5:8 – Absent from the body, present with the Lord
John 14:2–3 – “I go to prepare a place for you”
Romans 8:18 – Present sufferings not worthy to compare with future glory
Galatians 6:9 – Don’t grow weary in doing good
Revelation 21:4 – No more sorrow or pain in heaven
Titus 2:13 – Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing
1 Thessalonians 4:17 – We shall be caught up and ever be with the Lord
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins
Song History
“I’ll Fly Away” was
written in 1929 by Albert E.
Brumley, a gospel music pioneer with early ties to the churches
of Christ. He penned the song while picking cotton in Oklahoma,
meditating on the phrase “some glad morning.” His vision of freedom,
joy, and heaven resonated with millions. Today, “I’ll Fly Away” is sung
in churches, at funerals, and in homes across the world. It remains one
of the most recorded gospel hymns in history, not because it celebrates
death—but because it celebrates
deliverance. For the child of God, the best is yet to come.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
