"Rehearse"

There’s a reason for the worship,

And why I say amen,

‘Cause God just keeps on comin’ through,

Time and time again.

I know you may not understand,

Why I feel this way,

But I’ve been in some valleys,

And sometimes thought I’d stay,

Down there in that dark place,

Where you can’t see a thing,

But then God’s light came shining,

And with it help to bring,

Everything I needed,

To find my way on out,

Forgive me if I can’t stay calm,

Enough to make me shout,

Thanks and hallelujahs,

With heart and hands upraised,

Thankful is my lifestyle,

Jesus’ name be praised.

And one day every knee will bow,

And every tongue confess,

When Jesus comes back once again,

To clear up all this mess.

And then we’ll live forever,

And the praise we have rehearsed,

Will be what made us ready,

To graduate from earth.

“…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father…” (Philippians 2:10-11, NLT)

Here, in scripture, is the ultimate end game. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is a certainty, based upon the authority of God’s word. But we have the honor of acknowledging His lordship on the way to the ultimate recognition by all. Our lives are, in a very real sense, a rehearsal for eternity, and it has always been. Believe in your heart and confess Jesus as Lord now, and you will be saved, then and now. One more thing. Whenever God’s people gather to praise Him, it’s rehearsal for when we gather to praise Him eternally. Live thankfully!

Lord, teach us to make this life a rehearsal for what we will do forever, in Jesus’ name.

Art by R.S. Riddick, used by permission. Thanks, R.S., and God bless you.