Good Morning, Master Jesus!

Good Morning, Master Jesus!

It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown.

1 Corinthians 15:52

Abraham Lincoln, the only US president who is considered a natural humorist, told many funny stories to illustrate points in the speeches he made and in conversations with other politicians, friends, and family. He once related this story:

A hot-air balloon ascension occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, before the War between the States began. After sailing in the air for several hours, the aeronaut, who was bedecked in bright-colored silks and sparkling spangles like a circus performer, descended in his giant balloon onto the cotton field of a large plantation where a group of slaves were hard at work picking cotton.

The frightened slaves, who had never seen anything like this amazing balloon before, took to the woods in alarm—all but one venerable old man who had rheumatism and could not run.

Frozen in place and seeing the resplendent balloonist having apparently just dropped straight out of heaven, the old man grinned broadly and hailed the strange visitor from the sky with the cry, “Good mornin’, Massa Jesus! How’s yo’ pa?”

Someday the resplendent Jesus will indeed descend unexpectedly straight out of heaven. Like the old slave, we will be frozen in place by the surprise and thrill of it all. But if we are ready for Jesus’ return, we will, no doubt, shout with joy, “Good morning, Master Jesus!”

What a glorious day that will be!

Lord, although we can’t know the day or the hour of your return, please make us ready to meet you. We can’t wait to see you in all your majesty and splendor and to be in your presence, surrounded by your glory. Please come quickly! We love you, Lord. Amen.