Josephus tells us of the order of the Roman army. He says that when the camp was to be changed there were three trumpets blown.
The first one sounded, and the tents were taken down, and the wagons were packed.
The second sounded, and the troops fell into rank in their proper positions.
Then a herald cried, “Are you ready?” And the men answered, “We are ready.” Again he asked, “Are you ready?” and again they answered, “We are ready.” Then once more he challenged them, “Are you ready?” And as the voices of the massed men responded, “We are ready,” the third trumpet was blown, and the army moved forward on its way.
Christ is coming. Are you ready?
The first trumpet has been blown, and has awakened us from our sleep of sin and folly.
The second has been heard, and we have fallen into line, in expectation of Christ’s return.
Now we await “the last trump,” which will call us into His presence. Should we not challenge ourselves three times over, “Are we ready?”
“Are we ready” in conscience? Is the question of our sins settled? Are we at peace with God?
“Are we ready” in heart? Are our affections set on Christ? on things above where He is sitting?
“Are we ready” in our surroundings? Are all our matters in such order that we would gladly welcome Him this hour?
Perhaps as we read these lines, He may descend into the air, and “the last trump” be blown.
“We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
1 Cor. 15: 51, 52.