Most of us a familiar with a hymn in Warrior Songs, “Millennial Bells,” which describes the future earthly reign of Jesus:

Millennial Bells are ringing with mellow tones and clear.

They are heralding glad tidings that the King’s return is near.

Arouse, O sons of men, clear a highway for the Lord.

His herald bids “Make Ready!” for He comes as saith the Word.

Chorus:  Millennial Bells, How they ring

Jesus Christ the Lamb once slain –

Joyful news, Now as King –

Comes to take His throne and reign!

As I write this, there are so many things that make me long for the return of Jesus. They are things that I can’t fix, can’t control, and even if I could do both of those things I still wouldn’t know what to do. I can rest this Sabbath day, however, in the knowledge that He is coming back, He has all the power, and He does know what to do.

I discovered recently that the man who wrote the music for “Millennial Bells” (a certain S. Wesley Martin) wrote lyrics to the same tune called “The Gospel Bells are Ringing” and the first verse and chorus are as follows:

The Gospel bells are ringing, Over land, from sea to sea:

Blessèd news of free salvation Do they offer you and me.

For God so loved the world That His only Son He gave;

Whosoe’er believeth in Him Everlasting life shall have.

Chorus: Gospel bells, how they ring;

Over land from sea to sea;

Gospel bells freely bring

Blessèd news to you and me.

I am so grateful for the gospel which gives me peace in the midst of a turbulent world, even as we wait expectantly for Jesus’ return. I pray that both of those things will be extra real for you on this Sabbath day.

Shabbat Shalom!