“Beyond the Sunset” may be the most frequently song played or sung at funerals, although “Amazing Grace” seems to be running a close second. The words of “Beyond the Sunset” are okay, but I think the title should be changed to “Beyond the Sunrise.” After all, what lies beyond a sunset? Night and darkness!
A sunrise, on the other hand, introduces a new day with a fresh slate of opportunities and activities. Light follows a sunrise. So does renewed energy. We feel invigorated in the morning but tired—perhaps exhausted—after sunset.
When a Christian dies, he enters heaven and enjoys eternal life. His energy level there is unprecedented and his joy is unending. Trouble, pain, and sorrow cannot touch him in heaven, where glory and beauty surround him. Nighttime never falls in heaven, because God’s eternal day never ends. Best of all, in heaven the Christian beholds his glorious Savior, a glory that outstrips the glory of the sun.
The apostle John looked back on his relationship with Jesus during Jesus’ earthly ministry and recalled, “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Years later, John caught a glimpse of Jesus in the heavenly New Jerusalem and testified the Lamb [Jesus] is its Lamp (Revelation 21:23). Our cities on earth may experience blackouts, but the New Jerusalem draws its light from an unfailing Source. The Lamp will never flicker or fail!
Christianity is not drab, because Jesus is glorious. Because He purchased our redemption and we believed on Him, we will spend eternity in glorious light, not darkness. So shouldn’t we start singing “Beyond the Sunrise”?
© From Moments of Grace by Jim Dyet and Joe Ragont
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