On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by Samuel Stennett
Introduction:
“On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand” is a moving hymn of spiritual
anticipation, picturing the Christian as a pilgrim standing at the edge
of the promised land. Like the Israelites who stood by the Jordan River
looking across into Canaan, we too stand on the border of eternity.
Written by Samuel Stennett in 1787, this hymn captures the longing of
the soul to cross over into heaven’s eternal rest. Just as Hebrews 11:16
says, “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly one,”
so do we. This hymn helps the believer affirm their hope and look
forward with joy, not fear, toward that eternal land of rest and delight
prepared by God for His faithful ones.
Stanza 1: “On
Jordan’s stormy banks I stand, and cast a wishful eye…”
This opening line brings to mind the scene in Deuteronomy 34, where
Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo. While he could not enter,
he saw its beauty from afar. The Christian today is not barred from
entering but looks forward with eager longing. “To Canaan’s fair and
happy land, where my possessions lie”—this is our true inheritance (1
Peter 1:4). Heaven is not a dream; it is the promised land for those who
follow Christ. Standing on the banks means we are close—and that soon,
the journey will be over.
Stanza 2: “O
the transporting, rapturous scene that rises to my sight…”
As the eyes of faith peer across death’s river, the soul sees a glorious
vision. Revelation 21:10–27 describes heaven with language of brilliance
and joy. The “rapturous scene” is not imagined—it is revealed by God’s
Word. “Sweet fields arrayed in living green, and rivers of delight”
recall the picture of the garden restored, where the Tree of Life grows
beside the river (Revelation 22:1–2). This is not just rest—it is
renewal, beauty, and peace in the presence of God.
Stanza 3: “No
chilling winds nor poisonous breath can reach that healthful shore…”
This stanza affirms that heaven is untouched by the corruption and decay
of the present world. In the promised land, there is no sickness, no
death, no danger. As Revelation 21:4 declares, “There shall be no more
death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain.” “Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, are felt and feared no
more.” What a contrast to the fallen condition of our current world! The
Christian’s hope is not just for peace, but for perfection—freedom from
every effect of sin.
Stanza 4: “When
shall I reach that happy place and be forever blest?”
This is the longing cry of the faithful heart. It echoes Paul’s words in
Philippians 1:23, where he says he desires “to depart and be with
Christ, which is far better.” Heaven is not only a place of blessing; it
is where we are “forever blest.” This stanza recognizes the
already-but-not-yet tension of the Christian life—we have the promise
now but still wait for its full fulfillment. The desire is not to escape
life, but to embrace eternal life.
Stanza 5:
“Filled with delight my raptured soul would here no longer stay…”
With holy longing, the believer says, “I’m ready.” This echoes the words
of 2 Corinthians 5:8—“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be
absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” The Christian is
not suicidal, but heaven-minded. “Though Jordan’s waves around me roll,
fearless I’d launch away”—death is no longer feared, for Christ has
conquered it (1 Corinthians 15:55). To leave this life in faith is to
enter eternal joy.
Chorus: “I am
bound for the promised land…”
The chorus joyfully affirms the direction of the believer’s life. We are
not wandering aimlessly—we are bound for the promised land. Like Israel
of old, we are pilgrims moving toward a homeland. “Who will come and go
with me?” This is both invitation and challenge. The Christian walk is
not solitary—we invite others to come along. The chorus reminds us that
we journey not only for ourselves, but to help others reach that same
heavenly shore.
On Jordan’s
Stormy Banks I Stand Sermon Outline:
Stanza 1 –
Looking Toward the Promised Land
-
Spiritual
parallel to Israel’s journey: Deuteronomy 34
-
Heaven is the
believer’s true inheritance: 1 Peter 1:4
-
The faithful
cast a wishful but confident eye
Stanza 2 – The
Beauty of Heaven Revealed
-
A transporting,
rapturous scene: Revelation 21:10–27
-
Rivers of
delight and living green: Revelation 22:1–2
-
The glory to
come far exceeds present suffering
Stanza 3 – No
More Sorrow, Sickness, or Death
-
Heaven is
untouched by earthly affliction: Revelation 21:4
-
A land of
perfect health and peace
-
Total removal of
sin’s consequences
Stanza 4 – The
Longing of the Faithful Heart
-
Desiring to be
with Christ: Philippians 1:23
-
Hope turns to
longing for eternal fellowship
-
Heaven is not
escape—it is fulfillment
Stanza 5 –
Ready to Launch Into Glory
-
No fear in death
for the faithful: 2 Corinthians 5:8
-
Jordan’s waves
do not threaten the soul
-
Victory through
Christ over death: 1 Corinthians 15:55
Chorus – Bound
for the Promised Land
-
Affirmation of
hope and direction
-
The journey is
not aimless, but purposeful
-
Invitation to
others: “Who will come and go with me?”
Call to Action:
Are you bound for the promised land? This hymn expresses the assurance
of those in Christ—but that assurance only belongs to the obedient. Have
you believed in Jesus, repented of your sins, confessed Him, and been
baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)? That is how you
begin your journey to Canaan’s fair and happy land. Let your eyes remain
fixed on heaven, your steps guided by the Word, and your heart filled
with longing for the place where your possessions truly lie. Sing it.
Live it. And invite others to come along.
Scripture
Reference List:
Hebrews 11:16 – The faithful desire a heavenly country
Deuteronomy 34 – Moses views the Promised Land
1 Peter 1:4 – Our inheritance is reserved in heaven
Revelation 21:10–27 – The beauty of the heavenly city
Revelation 22:1–2 – River of life and Tree of Life
Revelation 21:4 – No more pain, sorrow, or death
Philippians 1:23 – To depart and be with Christ is better
2 Corinthians 5:8 – Absent from the body, present with the Lord
1 Corinthians 15:55 – Victory over death through Christ
Acts 2:38 – The beginning of the Christian journey
Song Author
Credit:
Samuel Stennett, a
British Baptist preacher and hymn writer, penned this hymn in 1787. His
words have endured for centuries, continuing to stir the hearts of
believers who long for heaven and walk by faith toward the promised
rest.
Song History:
“On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand” became especially beloved among
American frontier congregations in the 19th century, often sung at
funerals and revivals. Its vivid imagery and joyful chorus made it a
favorite in shape-note hymnals like
The Sacred Harp, helping to
preserve its message of hope and eternal expectation.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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