Don't Miss the Ride!

The Sound of the Trumpet

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:52 (KJV)

"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."

Years ago, when our family worshipped some distance from home, Sabbath mornings followed a familiar pattern. We all knew the signs that it was almost time to leave. Once my husband started putting on his socks, we knew what would happen next. Soon, we would hear the sound of the vehicle's horn.

That horn was the last signal.

Whether we were ready or not, it meant it was time to go.

The moment we heard it, everyone sprang into action. There would be a frantic rush through the house—someone searching for shoes, another grabbing a comb, someone else trying to finish breakfast with food in one hand and a Bible in the other. Many times, we finished dressing, combing our hair, or eating while travelling to church. Once we were in the vehicle, we could still make a few last-minute adjustments.

The trumpet of God, however, will not be like that.

When God's trumpet sounds, there will be no opportunity for last-minute preparations. No unfinished repentance. No extra time to pray. No chance to make things right with God or with others. The condition in which Christ finds us is the condition in which we will remain.

Paul reminds us that this will happen "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye." It will be sudden, final, and irreversible. Those who belong to Christ will be changed and caught up to be with Him forever.

That is why the Christian life is not about getting ready at the last minute—it is about living ready every day.

Are we walking in obedience? Are we keeping our hearts pure? Are we serving faithfully and loving sincerely? Are we watching for His return with joyful expectation?

The trumpet is not a warning to begin preparing; it is the announcement that the time for preparation has ended.

Today is the day to be ready. Now is the time to trust Christ, obey His Word, and live in faithful expectation of His coming. Then, when the last trumpet sounds, we will not be caught unprepared. Instead, we will rejoice, knowing that our Redeemer has come.

Every Sabbath reminds us of a greater appointment. Just as we prepared to meet God in His house each Sabbath, we must prepare every day to meet Christ in the clouds. On those busy Sabbath mornings, we could finish dressing on the journey, but when the trumpet of God sounds, there will be no journey in which to make last-minute preparations. The time to prepare is now, before the King comes.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to live each day ready for Your return. Keep my heart faithful, my life surrendered, and my eyes fixed on You. May I never presume upon tomorrow but live today in joyful expectation of hearing the trumpet and seeing You face to face. In Jesus' name, Amen.