Get ready! I am coming soon.
One of the most frightening passages in the Bible is, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13–14, nkjv). I fear there are many on the broad way, even in our churches, and they do not know it. They are not focused on the Bridegroom; they are not prepared for the wedding.
In prison, whenever we went to the prison yard, there were grave restrictions on what we could do, including how long we could be out there. I still tremble in fear knowing that if I was in the yard a minute too long or disobeyed a rule, I could have been shot. When I was in the yard, I looked up above the spirals of razor wire on the compound walls, and I could see an image of heaven. I kept my eyes fixed on that heavenly city that God said He had prepared for everyone who loves Him, and peace came to my soul.
As soon as my feet touched the yard, I often thought of a song my dear pastor’s wife, an amazing evangelist and singer, Fern Olson, used to sing: “I’ve Had a Vision of Jesus.” I found that if I lived in that vision, and kept my eyes on Jesus, the reality of my present existence seemed tolerable.
I’ve had a vision of Jesus,
I’ve caught a glimpse of my Lord,
Down through the clouds He is coming,
Just as He said in His word;
See the bright light in the heavens,
Shining from east to the west,
I’ve had a vision of Jesus,
Bringing that glad day of rest.
As on the wings of an eagle,
We shall go soaring away,
Over the mountains and valleys,
Past all the cares of the day;
If we but live in the vision,
Just a short time it will be,
Soon the vision will have vanished,
Swallowed in reality.32
No matter what circumstances you find yourself in today, look above the situation and keep your eyes on Jesus. Now is the time to get ready. Keep your lamp trimmed and burning. Stay ready and keep watching. The Bridegroom is about to appear. The wedding will take place soon. I want to be there, and I know you do too!
