By David Phillips
Everybody knows that Heaven is up, right? While that fact is not exactly stated in Scripture, we generally think of Heaven as being up in the sky. Actually, there is some terminology in the Holy Book that leads us to that general conclusion. For example, note how many times the word “up” occurs or is implied in the record of Acts 1:9-11: And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” On more than one occasion, Bible writers express the prayer for God to look down from Heaven… (Psa.80:14, Isa.63:15). I’m not so sure that God’s word intends to give us a specific location for the Heavenly abode as much as it seeks to impress us with the idea that Heaven is away from this earth.
At any rate, hymn writers have often used that figure to encourage God’s people to seek those things which are above…set your affections on things above, not on things that are on earth… (Col.3:1-2) One such song that comes readily to mind is Higher Ground, the words of which were penned by Johnson Oatman. It was first published in 1898. This song never fails to renew in me an encouraging sense of determination that helps me to pour yet more zeal into the business of living for Jesus. Each of the four verses urge God’s child on to “higher ground”.
Verse one speaks of the progress we each can make if we put our hearts and prayers into God’s service: I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I onward bound, “Lord plant my feet on higher ground.”
Verse two reminds us of the fearful and discouraging nature of many earthly struggles, and the importance of setting our sights high: My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay; Tho’ some may dwell where these abound, my prayer, my aim is higher ground.
Verse three echoes with the longing we should feel to join those who have gone on before us: I want to live above the world, tho’ Satan’s darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, the song of saints on higher ground.
Verse four reminds us of the essential balance of human desire and Divine help. Without either, We won’t be able to successfully complete the journey: I want to scale the utmost height, and catch a gleam of glory bright; But still I’ll pray till heaven I’ve found, “Lord lead me on to higher ground.”
Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith, on heaven’s table-land, A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.