In the Twinkling of an Eye
During an early 1900’s expedition to the South Pole, British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton left a few men on Elephant Island, promising he would return. Later, when he tried to go back, huge icebergs blocked the way. But suddenly, as if by a miracle, an avenue opened in the ice, and Shackleton was able to get through.
His men, ready and waiting, quickly scrambled aboard the ship. No sooner had they cleared the island than the ice crashed together behind them. Contemplating their narrow escape, Shackleton told the rescued sailors, “It’s fortunate you were ready to go!” To which his men replied, “We never gave up hope. We kept our gear packed and reminded each other, ‘the boss may come today.’”
Being stranded on an island near the South Pole sounds to me like it would be about as much fun as having hot needles poked in your eyes. But you have to admire Shackleton’s men — they kept watching, hoping, and waiting, altogether certain that their leader would follow through with his promise, and return to get them.
Of course, the best thing about that story is that it brings to mind another promise made, one that will also be fulfilled in a moment least expected. The Bible describes it like this:
“In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet … for the trumpet wi! sound, the dead wi! be raised imperishable, and we wi! be changed.” (I Corinthians 15:52)
The Scripture makes it clear that Jesus is coming back to get His followers. It’s the event the Bible calls the rapture, where believers will be caught up to meet Him in the air (see I Thessalonians 4). It could be today … or tomorrow … or next week … or next year. There’s nothing, in terms of Biblical prophecy yet to be fulfilled, that stands in the way of His return. It could happen at any moment.
So the only question is, are you ready for that trumpet to sound? Is your gear packed and ready to go?
If not, perhaps it’s time to start living like one of Shackleton’s men, with this hope and expectation:
“The Boss may come today.”
