Warming Up the Jets

     My childhood home was 6 ½ miles from the operations and flight line of a large naval base. Frequently, we heard sounds from the base, even at my house. I grew up hearing a low moan that slowly increased, then abruptly ceased. A neighbor informed us it was the sound of the planes when they were warming their jets. It was the time of the cold war.  We were apprehensive but our friend’s assurance calmed our concern.

     Some days we heard loud, thunderous booms. Once again, we were told the fighter jets were breaking the sound barrier. That sound traveled even farther.

     What is the most distant sound you’ve heard?

     I often think of two scriptures that tell of the far-reaching sound of our Lord’s return in the clouds to take his faithful children home to be with him in Heaven. Everyone will hear the shout and the trumpet:

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel , and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

• 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 KJV 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 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.

Are we ready for those sounds?

The apostle Paul said he was ready:

• 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii