What is the power of, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”?

About five minutes into the film, Wizard of Oz, Dorothy sings the song after failing to get her aunt and uncle to listen to her relate an unpleasant incident involving her dog, Toto. Dorothy’s Aunt Em tells her to “find yourself a place where you won’t get into any trouble.” This prompts Dorothy to walk off by herself, musing to herself, “‘Some place where there isn’t any trouble.’ Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It’s not a place you can get to by a boat, or a train. It’s far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain…” at which point she begins singing.

Here is some precious time with my dad, as I attempt to play a short piece of this famous song. After the video, I’ll try to answer the question above.

The power of this song is in the common human desire to go to a place “where there isn’t any trouble.” Do you suppose there is such a place? You bet!

Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled (because he knows that they are). Believe in God; believe also in me (because to believe in Jesus is to believe in God – for he is God). In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

True, you can’t get there by boat or train. Which is why Jesus also said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (14:6).

My greatest joy and comfort is to know that the place that Jesus has prepared for my dad, a place where there isn’t any trouble, is “finished.” All the hard work has been done. The foundation is sure – behind the moon, beyond the rain . . .