Scripture: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” – 1 Corinthians 15:52
Explanation of Song: Lelia N. Morris (1862–1929) was a writer of more than 1500 gospel songs. In 1914, she became blind, but her son built here a huge blackboard with which she could continue her writing. Many of her hymns, such as “Nearer, Still Nearer” and “Sweeter As the Years Go By” were written under her married name, Mrs. Charles H. Morris. In 1912, she wrote “What If It Were Today?”.
Application: When I was dating my husband, it was always exciting to know he was coming to pick me up for a special time together. I always wore my nicest clothes; my hair was done, and my make-up was applied carefully. I remember the anticipation of hearing that knock on the door! My sweetheart was coming!
After our marriage, whenever my in-laws were coming for a visit, I made sure my home was ready for their arrival. I loved having them come, and I wanted my house to be picture perfect! The guest bathroom was sparkling with freshly washed towels, and their bedroom had fresh flowers on the dresser. And when we had kids, I made sure they were ready for their grandparents’ visit as we eagerly watched through the front window waiting for their car to pull into our driveway
Special events are those occasions where people spend a great deal of time in preparation. Daily activities go by the wayside as the flurry of pre-arrival tasks take over, and everything is busy, busy, busy! Getting ready is almost as wonderful as the event itself!
The Bible tells us that there is an exciting event that is just on the horizon for us! That event is often referred to as the “rapture” of the church. This is the moment when Jesus descends from heaven to gather those who have placed their faith and trust in Him and take them back to heaven with Him. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 states, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
While we don’t know the exact day or time, we do know that all biblical prophecies that have to be fulfilled before the rapture occurs have been completed. Thus, the rapture of the church could be any day, any moment. We need to be preparing for that glorious moment! We must be diligently doing the Lord’s work in sharing the gospel with others because the day is coming very soon when we will no longer have anymore time to tell people about the saving grace of Jesus. Let’s not leave anyone behind when our Saviour comes to take us to our eternal home!
Memory Verse: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – John 14:3
Stretching your thoughts:
1. Imagine if you knew that Jesus was returning tomorrow. What would you do differently today?
Jesus is coming to earth again-- What if it were today?
Coming in power and love to reign-- What if it were today?
Coming to claim His chosen Bride, all the redeemed and purified,
Over this whole earth scattered wide-- What if it were today?
Glory, glory! Joy to my heart 'twill bring;
Glory, glory! When we shall crown Him King.
Glory, glory! Haste to prepare the way;
Glory, glory! Jesus will come someday.
Faithful and true would He find us here if He should come today?
Watching in gladness and not in fear, if He should come today?
Signs of His coming multiply, morning light breaks in eastern sky;
Watch, for the time is drawing nigh-- What if it were today?
Glory, glory! Joy to my heart 'twill bring;
Glory, glory! When we shall crown Him King.
Glory, glory! Haste to prepare the way;
Glory, glory! Jesus will come someday.
(from “What If It Were Today?” by Lelia N. Morris)