“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-54
Have you ever had a family member that didn’t like surprises? Did you ever know a person who didn’t like receiving a wrapped present? Well, there have been a few creatures along my journey that didn’t receive a card or gift from me as it wasn’t worth me getting scolded and whipped with a tongue lashing from their disdainful life. Every morning I type the words “Haiti news” into the search engine and am hoping a wonderful surprise that gangs in Haiti have laid down their weapons, repented and surrendered. What a wonderful surprise that would be. I would probably doubt the news and label it ‘fake news’ go to another source.
How have you handled surprises along your journey? They can be pleasant and sometimes difficult. Surprises celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. Most kids love them. Most parents expect them to happen along their journey. We like them and at times we hate them. Consider just a few; the doctor would like to discuss your lab results right away, the alarm didn't go off; it's almost nine, I'm calling from the bank regarding your checking account. the boss wants to see you; no need to take off your coat, this is Officer Haynes, we have your child down at the station, they’re under arrest, the tumor we suspected to be malignant is actually benign.
We get surprises daily, some are wrapped in paper, some not. Some are happy and some we can’t believe this is happening. Have you ever stopped to look at the surprises throughout the Bible? God’s Word is a book full of them when you look at certain events through the eyes of people in that day. New and Old Testament are full of them. Many of them are difficult to believe or understand, but they give us Hope that we too will receive our share of surprises from our Heavenly Father until He surprises us and takes us home.
That final surprise will be the greatest surprise of all. In the twinkling of an eye. There are a few souls who have rejected Christ at this present time and explain that they will just accept Him ‘just before’ they die. There isn’t enough time to turn to Jesus in a twinkling of an eye. I find a pause when considering that the greatest surprise is that people like you, me and these Haitian children will be included in the group being taken to our Home in Heaven; that moment will be a miracle. Share the message of Salvation with those along your journey so they too, can share in the surprise.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay