In the Twinkling of an Eye

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1st Corinthians 15:51-52

 

The other day as I got up in the morning, I heard a sound, a clamor that turned out to be a hole being punched into the ground, likely for electrical lighting for a future light pole. For a moment I pondered what the noise might be, but upon a brief investigation its source became apparent, simply men working.

 

The thought then occurred to me about how the rapture of God’s people and the judgment against mankind will come in a moment. The “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7) will begin and those of us who are Saved will from that moment be with the Lord forever. There is certainly rejoicing in this for the Believer, but my heart is saddened at the fact that so many chase after falsehood or refuse to submit, let alone acknowledge their Maker.

 

Life comes and is given by the Creator, He wielded each one of us, irregardless of racism throughout the world, it is God who made each man. Yet as I stared out the window from work I could see the billowing black clouds of smoke coming from the funeral home across the street. A body was being cremated, the former occupant of the body now either asleep awaiting the Trumpet or in Hell. Whatever choice they had made regarding Salvation in their lifetime was settled, there was no more time, no more chance, either rejoicing that they had counted the things of God worthy to be wholeheartedly followed, having accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior or else regret and eternal remorse, destitute, without hope and forever apart from their Creator, being justly punished by the Almighty for what is a fitting judgment for those who refuse to be obedient to the Most High.

 

A few days later I am at work and the power flashes ever so briefly that no one seemed to take note. My heart pondered this once more as I considered the end of those who stand around me, those that fill the restaurant and realize that it is not a joke, but a VERY serious matter. In the twinkling of an eye, in a moment, things will change. The line will have been drawn in the sand and while there is still hope for many men, the consequences for having been part of the rebellion against God is at that moment in full swing…too late.

 

Finally I had to take a special order to a local nursing home. As I entered the doors to track down the nurse, whom I had just spoken to minutes ago, I saw the eyes of the forgotten, those who paced back and forth or sat quietly with blank stares on their face. If I could guess, the regrets of life, the sorrow of no longer being able to run about, the feelings of depression from the sole lifestyle that produces great loneliness seemed heavy upon many of the residents mind. They seemed to scream, if only I could walk, if only I could once again work, if only I could live. Yet do they realize that they can walk, they can live, they can serve, if only they belonged to Christ, if only they were sealed unto their redemption through Jesus, IF ONLY!!

 

The horrors of this life and the horrors that man bring upon his own soul. Why or why would man chose death instead of being with a God who loved them and provided Salvation through His Son? What could possibly have advantaged them or any other person walking the face of the earth today that is more valuable than their eternal soul? Would they give both eyes for a million dollars? Then why would they give up serving a holy and righteous God for the vanities of sin?

 

Dear reader, at the moment it is not too late. Will you consider, will you ponder, will you realize that the path you are on, without Jesus as your Savior, is one that leads to doom! Jesus is willing to pardon your sins if only you come to Him with a repentant heart and believe into Him. God has made the way of Salvation very simple that even a young child can Believe, yet what holds you back? I will tell you what holds you back, sin.

 

Consider your ways and realize that it is not too late, the path without Christ is the path that leads to Hell.