Are we ready for the Arrival of the KING OF THE KINGS
Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. Revelation 22:12
SASB 771; It is well with my soul, Background .
“This hymn was written after traumatic events in Spafford's life. The first was the death of his son at the age of 2 and the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer and had invested significantly in property in the area of Chicago that was extensively damaged by the great fire). His business interests were further hit by the economic downturn of 1873, at which time he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre. In a late change of plan, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone …". Shortly afterwards, as Spafford travelled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.” Sourced 18/05/2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Is_Well_with_My_Soul
Are we ready for the Arrival of the KING OF THE KINGS, This is an interesting topic, I have had a few thoughts about it. From John, the writer of Revelation, reaction to seeing Jesus at the beginning of his vision.
I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Rev 1:12-16)
John who it is thought was the apostle John, a cousin of Jesus who had spent at least three years with Jesus. “fell at his feet as if dead.” To me it appears that John was awestruck, paralysed with fear at the appearance of Jesus.
We have another picture of God from Isaiah 40 that gives two understandings of The Sovereign Lord within a few short verses.
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
There is a phrase that is used sometimes, “Jesus is coming look busy”.[PP] Like Jesus is the boss who may just turn up, however if we are living in relationship with him, our relationship will be a good one, occasionally like all relationships there may be challenges, but he is not some absentee boss if our relationship with him is in its right place.
In the readings I just read, Jesus is seen as powerful, ruling with the strength of his mighty arm, but gently leading those that have young, as a shepherd to his flock. Awesome, terrifyingly powerful; but personal, powerful yet able to use those powerful arms to shelter the needy and the venerable, sheltering those who require protecting.
Are we ready for the arrival of the King of Kings, as I thought on this question, I thought am I, how do I know. Then I thought it is well with my soul [PP]. I am in a right place with God.
So as we enter our prayers today, I ask you that same question and then allow the King of Kings to answer, how to be right with him, if you believe that it is not well with your soul.
The question, is it well with your soul, are you ready for the arrival of the King of Kings,
However we answer that question, Jesus says, 28”Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.…”(Matthew 11:28)
If we are not ready for the coming of the King of Kings we can be, as we go to Jesus and become ready, finding rest and wellness for our souls.
