By Melissa McLaughlin
The Train’s Call
Oftentimes in the evening, I can hear a train whistle in the distance. Though miles from our house, still the train’s horn floats over the air. After daytime noises have died down, the engine’s song echoes over hills and valleys, announcing its trek through the night.
It reminds me of a mother cow calling for her young. Mournful and low, yet strong and unmistakable.
As I pause to listen, a humming bass and rhythmic momentum undergird the whistle’s toot. The wheels on the track reverberate with a driving energy you can sense deep within. Embodying power. Carrying resources. Crossing the land with unstoppable force.
Though jarring if you stand nearby, from a distance the train sounds soothing. There is something predictable in the steady percussion and faithful whistle blowing right on time. It’s no wonder many people love trains.
God’s Call
Though we are familiar with the train’s tones, there is a verse in Revelation that makes me wonder at its sound. This verse describes God’s final appeal to turn away from Satan’s lies and receive the gospel message of salvation in Christ. One last call to return to God in grace before the judgment.
Revelation 14:6-7 – Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
There is an urgency in this passage. Imagine. The angel is overhead, proclaiming the everlasting gospel to every nation. Declaring with thunderous voice. Booming over all the earth ensuring no one misses the message. Reaching farther than a train whistle’s blast. Moving with power, pressing forward with determination, facing the final hour.
One last cry resounds across the world.
Fear God.
Give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come.
Worship Him who made heaven and earth.
The Creator sends His messenger to summon His creation. The hour of judgment has come.
Come to God in grace or meet Him in judgment.
God Keeps Calling People to Himself
Can you envision the Father’s call to the people He has made, when the final moments have come? Can you perceive the ache in His Father’s heart for His lost sons and daughters?
How many times has our heavenly Father drawn us to Himself when we were turned away?
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.
May we be His servant-angels today, sharing His gospel message with anyone who will listen in our circle of life.
Please pray with me~ Father God, let us not grow weary. Give us divine appointments. Holy Spirit, stir our hearts with boldness, compassion, and love to tell others, “Jesus saves sinners like me. He can save you, too. Believe and receive salvation in Christ.”
Let’s help others get on board. Can you hear the gospel train whistle in the distance?
It’s not much longer now.
Other links and posts you may enjoy:
Song – People Get Ready by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions
Song – People Get Ready, Jesus is Coming by Crystal Lewis
Our King is Coming by Melissa McLaughlin
6 Simple Things to Know About End Times by Melissa McLaughlin
Do you ever wonder if the world is coming to an end? By Melissa McLaughlin
Love everything you wrote in this.
Thank you for reading and taking time to share a word of encouragement. God bless you, David!
Thank you for uplifting my life with the word of GOD. God bless you in all endeavors ðŸ™ðŸ”¥â¤ï¸
All glory to God! May we share His gospel message with joy. Thank you for the kind words of support. May God bless you and keep you. ðŸ™
I grew up with train whistles marking the days. I love that sound. May we love the sound of God’s voice calling to us. God bless!
Train whistles are a beautiful, soulful sound. I love that sound, too, Nancy. There was a train track near my grandparents’ house growing up, so the sounds of trains bring back so many memories. And now, I have the train, not too far from where I live. Yes, may we hear God’s voice and echo His gospel message with a clear call. Blessings to you and yours!
The alluring sound of a train’s whistle across the night takes me back to my childhood. I could hear the train passing through our small town every night. It was reliable and comforting every night. That’s just like God’s gentle call to mankind.
But, on judgment day, the call will not be gentle. It will be that jarring sound you described when we stand in close proximity to the train.
So many have not answered God’s call. My heart aches. I pray with you that I will spread the gospel story while God’s call is still gentle; while there is still time… .
Thank you for your beautifully written reminder, Melissa.
Mary Anne, what a beautiful and powerful reflection. Thank you for sharing your memories and insights. I love your analogy of God’s gentle call like the comforting sound of the train. But one day, His call will be spoken in judgment and that will be jarring for sure.
Like you, my heart aches for the lost. May we be ready vessels for the sharing of God’s gospel message. Lord, let blind eyes be opened and lost sheep be found, we pray. In Jesus’ name and for His glory.
The sound of a train can be jarring or soothing. The name of Jesus is like that. To some, it is a name of warmth, love, and shelter from the storm. To others, it is a name they draw back from. “Have mercy on those whose choices grow thinner…”
Tom, your words are powerful and profound. The name of Jesus most certainly can offend or melt hearts. Like the sound of the train, comforting and/or jarring. As His followers, there is no sweeter name on earth.
I agree with you in prayer, “Have mercy, Lord God, on those whose choices grow thinner.”
My husband and I love watching trains and going on train rides. Thank you for this inspiration message. 🙂
Trains can be mesmerizing to watch. I’m glad you and your husband enjoy watching and riding them, Melissa! Blessings to you!
Beautiful Melisa. I loved it. The mental image of a train is so relatable and we need to do our part of sharing the Gospel while there is time.
Thank you for the kind words, Yvonne. There’s just something about the power and call of the train. I keep praying that God will open doors so I can share about Jesus with others. May we keep our eyes open and hearts ready.
Amen
Amen, amen — Let’s help others get on board. Let’s bring others into the fold. The time is now, and the call is urgent.
Amen, Jessica! That’s our calling.
There’s nothing like the love and grace of Jesus. We don’t want anyone to miss out!
This is so beautiful and love the urgency of the gospel message of salvation ringing loud and clear like a train whistle. That verse in Revelation stirs my soul to tell others more about Jesus. And your article reminded me of an old song by Mylon Levefre, “Trains up in the Sky”.
Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/dsEi2zIe1BY?si=8bnVTYeHPBFQpOlr
You’re right, Karen. The urgency of the gospel message rings loud and clear. That verse stirs my soul, as well. I didn’t remember that Mylon Levefre song. But I listened and I love it! Powerful. Thank you for sharing!