We’re told to plan for our future, but also keep in mind that Jesus could return at any moment. If we really concentrate only on His coming, our minds will be in constant turmoil. We must be ready to keep on working, but have our spiritual bag packed, and be ready to leave. I will admit though, it’s hard to be patient, especially with all the evil in the world today.
Consider the following:
Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear
Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake
Humbling your hearts to God saves from the chastening rod
Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians Awake!
Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon
Many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound
All of the dead shall rise, righteous meet in the skies
Going where no one dies, Heavenward Bound
(chorus)
Troubles will soon be o’er, happy forevermore
When we meet on that shore, free from all care
Rising up in the sky, telling this world goodbye
Homeward we then shall fly, Glory to Share!
(chorus two more times)
“Jesus Is Coming Soon” written by R.E. Winsett, 1942; most popular version was by the Oak Ridge Boys – Southern Gospel Group
When this song was written, World War 2 still had about three more years before it ended. It was officially over when the Japanese signed terms of surrender on September 2, 1945 aboard the U.S.S. Missouri. For the first time in history, atomic weapons had been used, and the results were too powerful and terrifying for the warring nations to continue hostilities.
Even at that time, people were looking for the Lord to call His Church Home, and for the final 7-year tribulation period to get started. However, there were prophetic events that still had to take place before any of this could happen.
First, and most important, Israel still had about 6 years from the writing of the song until becoming a nation again on May 14, 1948.
Deuteronomy 30:3 “Then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes, and have compassion on you, and He will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you.”
Isaiah 66:8 “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she brought forth her children.”
Ezekiel 36:24 “I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land.”
Zechariah 12:3 “On that day, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. All the nations of the earth will gather against it.” (This is during the Tribulation.)
After nearly 2,000 years, Israel once again became a nation, which no other country on earth had ever accomplished. It is on a portion of the land that God promised Abraham that his “offspring” would possess forever. One day, after the tribulation, all that was promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel) and David will be restored. Additionally, all who have accepted Jesus since Calvary, and to the end of the millennium will be there as well.
From the very first announcement of Israel declaring statehood, and with the approval of President Truman as the first to recognize this, they have had to defend themselves from nations that want to totally eradicate them. There is no other explanation as to why they still exist other than they are being protected by God. Their first conflict in 1948 and the amazing outcome of the 6-day war in 1967 were miraculous by any standard. Anyone studying bible prophecy can see where these conflicts have been a prelude to the coming Ezekiel 38/39 war.
Today, all that was prophesied prior to the Rapture taking place has been accomplished. This was not so in 1942. Israel is prosperous, and God has blessed them with knowledge that has helped many other nations. Very recently, large deposits of oil and natural gas were discovered, which makes Israel a very wealthy nation. Even though they are occasionally hit with rocket attacks and terrorist activity, they are relatively at peace, just as the Bible prophesied they would be. Their military defends them very well, and they aren’t afraid to protect themselves, no matter what. Most of the world condemns them though, just for breathing.
The lead-in or “hook” that’s mentioned in Ezekiel 38:4 is in place. A coalition of Russia, Iran and Turkey, as well as other named nations, is in place for the first time in history. Although these nations have had some dealings with each other in the past, they never had a “bond” as they do right now. Each of them is suffering from economic problems, and there sits the tiny nation of Israel with all that wealth. God is making it “ripe” in their minds to take what they can by force, and totally annihilate Israel.
Syria is being used as a pawn in this, and Isaiah 17:1 will happen at any moment. Damascus will be destroyed, and left empty in one day. This could be the spark to set off the total invasion. God will protect Israel, even though the majority of the population does not accept Jesus as their Messiah. He will do it to protect His name (Ezekiel 36:22). He will prove that, in spite of their unbelief, He will save them. I believe this takes place after Romans 11:25, which is the “fullness of the Gentiles,” and God once again directs His full attention on Israel.
The “Church Age” will be over. By the way, the church has not replaced the Jews. That covenant is still in place, and always will be.
If we take another look at the words of the song, it’s more prevalent today than when it was written. We’re seeing activity around the world that could only be explained as increased satanic activity. “Troublesome times are here” for a fact. The first stanza ends with the command, “Christians Awake.”
We don’t know the day or hour, but all reputable prophecy scholars agree it will be soon – not far off – imminent. Trumpets will sound that I believe only those being taken will hear. The dead in Christ (not all of the dead as the song says) will rise first, followed by the righteous who are still alive to meet Jesus in the air. The reason I believe only those going up in the Rapture will hear the Trumpet/Shofar and the shout from the Archangel is because it’s over in less than one second (1 Corinthians 15:52). The unbelieving world will just know that people have vanished.
Our troubles will be over, free from all care; but for the left behind, it will be like no other time on earth. At first, after the confusion settles down, there will be a short “relaxation” period. A new person will come on the scene with an explanation for the disappearances, and he will have a 7-year peace plan between Israel and the rest of the world that will seem to be perfect.
All will seem great, and then that person will take control of the world. He will be the final antichrist. From that time forward, there will be pure misery for anyone who won’t worship him as their god. To call on Jesus will be a ticket to martyrdom, but there will be those who will do so anyway.
The “Raptured” will miss all this in accordance with God’s promise to keep us from the Wrath. We will be “going where no one dies, Heavenward Bound.”
Who would’ve thought that a song written over 75 years ago would be so relevant to our current world condition? It’s one way to verify God’s word is true and accurate, and we can believe the Bible has told us what to expect. It’s becoming more and more obvious that we are the generation that will see the return of the Lord. Right now is the time to get prepared. Call out to Jesus; confess you have sinned; and ask His forgiveness. Ask Him to be your Savior, and to prepare a place for you in Heaven with Him (John 14:1-3; Romans 10:9 and Romans 10:13)
He will turn down no one who truly believes in Him and calls out to be saved. All who do not will spend eternity away from the “Light” (Jesus) and in total darkness (Lake of Fire). Consider your choices. He will be coming soon – Morning or Night or Noon!
Shalom!