Go Rest High on that Mountain

Dear Worshippers,

I learned a beautiful song last week. You probably expect that in my worship planning, preparation, and leadership I learn a lot of songs, and I do. But I learn songs for a number of other reasons. Many of them are very pragmatic, but some are also recreational. The learning of this particular song unfortunately had a very specific purpose. I was asked to sing for the memorial service of a man who was a friend of my family. He was only 42 years old.

He had lived a troubled life, the last few years having faced a very difficult bout with cancer that began in his jaw and spread into his brain. He endured surgeries and other treatment which only served to prolong the inevitable. In the last few weeks, he finally surrendered his life to Christ, following a decision his daughter had made maybe only months before.

That same daughter selected this wonderful song sung by Vince Gill. I sang this with my sister and father, to a man whose soul was finally at rest after so much struggle. Maybe the words will be of comfort to you or someone else who has lost loved one.

I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren't afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain

Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing

Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son

As believer’s this is the rest and the eternal occupation that awaits us. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, wrote Paul. [2 Corinthians 5:8] This is what one is Christ is looking forward to.

In Christ,

Pastor Scott