The other night, I was cruising YouTube.

I came across an old Larry Norman video. My mind immediately went to his famous song, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready“, so I searched for a couple of versions.

It had been a long time since I had heard this song and I had forgotten how haunting the lyrics were. The uniqueness of writing about things to come has pushed this song to be covered by hundreds of artists over the years. The chilling truth found within the lyrics has set it apart from all other Christian titles.

Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonian Church

Consider Paul’s writing on the return of Christ found in his letter to the people of Thessalonica.

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (1 Thes. 5:1-3)

Larry Norman’s “I Wish We’d All Been Ready” brings this Biblical truth to us so dramatically that it’s sobering. One day, everything that we know on this planet as our home, will be gone.

For those of us who believe in the rapture (as Larry did), we will ascend to be with Christ before the world is destroyed. Larry’s song brings the sobering reality that on a certain day when the Lord returns, many people will not be carried up to heaven with us.

Many friends and loved one won’t make it.

Unfortunately, many of the people we know and love will remain. Many friends and loved ones won’t make it. This reality should burden us, but also compel us. It should motivate us to speak the truth of our Lord’s return.

It motivated Larry Norman enough to write a song about it. What will we do with that reality? Who will we tell? How will we tell it?

Remember.

After the 9-11 attacks, Larry put together a large group of musicians for a benefit concert. This is an older video, and the sound quality isn’t that great, but it’s an important moment in history to remember, and an important song choice.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• What motivates you to speak the truth of our Lord’s return?
• How does this truth compel you to share the Gospel?
• Who should you be sharing the message of Christ with this week?