Thoughts for Life: Behind the Song: The King is Coming

Diana Leagh Matthews: "Recently, I heard a sermon relating the first days of the church of Christ to the uncertainty of our future as Christians in this world.

The sermon ended by assuring us that although we live in an uncertain world today, one thing is for sure:

Jesus Christ will return again one day just the way he promised. (Google image, The King is Coming)

When I hear or see something that ministers to me, songs often began to run through my head and heart. Before this sermon was even finished, I could hear The King is Coming in my heart.

This song has continued to provide a soundtrack to my days in the following weeks.

I began to wonder what prompted Bill and Gloria Gaither to write this song. I was thrilled to find that Gloria had written the story in their book, Something Beautiful.

Gloria shares that it was the early 1970s and they were busy with family and life. The second coming was not on their mind.

One evening their friends Chuck Millhuff and Jim Bohi came over for dinner. During the meal, the two evangelists shared about a recent sermon they’d heard from Jim Crabtree.

Crabtree pointed out that Jesus is coming back, but we often forget that with the busyness of life. He ended the service walking through the congregation shouting 'The King is Coming! The King is Coming!'

The quartet at dinner that evening began to brainstorm and word images began to form.

After the men left, Gloria and Bill continued to talk. They knew they wanted the song to have a 'musical setting that would . . . be something simple and yet grand—like a coronation procession.

Bill sat at the piano and the music and melody in his heart began to flow through his fingers to the keyboard.

Gloria pondered the conversation and eventually set aside her housework, to sit down and write the lyrics of the song. Once again the words flowed from her, and she even incorporated some of the word images pondered by their friends when they visited.

When she finished with the words, she took them to Bill at the piano. Gloria explains in the book, 'when the lyric was written, I felt spent, yet shaky with excitement. I took the words in to Bill and he immediately played and sang them fitting them like a glove to the music he’d been hearing. His chorus finished the piece with simplicity and power.'

The song has been recorded by numerous artists and sung in countless concerts over the years. However, the message remains unchanged. One day, when we least expect it, 'The King is Coming! The King is Coming! Praise God, He’s coming for me!' ”

(Posted by permission. Photos are Diana's. Emphasis are mine)

The King is Coming (Bill's presentation, with singers behind him. He and his quartet sing it!)

Diana Leagh Matthews is a writer,

speaker, life coach, and genealogists.

http://about.me/DianaLeaghMatthews
www.dianaleaghmatthews.com

Father, our hearts long for the time when

we see Jesus! Thank You for Your Holy Spirit's

help through each day until then.

We appreciate the inspiration You gave the

Gaithers, as it blesses us today.

May we be open to the possibility that

Jesus could return real soon!

Help us prepare our hearts, do what You've

asked of us, and obey Your Word.

I ask this in Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: (Ps. 102:16) "When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory."

Today’s quote:

~ Dr. Charles F. Stanley - "The Holy Spirit is our power source. He indwells every believer in Christ, transforming character, revealing truth, and enabling obedience to God. Our Creator wants us to know him. Isn't that amazing? He invites us to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him. Every day we have the privilege of opening His Word and speaking with our loving God. He's waiting for you . . . " (Taken from p. 36 of IN TOUCH, Daily Readings for Devoted Living / Nov. 2015)

Some thoughts today:

~ How far along would we be if we'd simply obey God? Something's "coming down the pike" of greater value, when we follow the Spirit's directions in our lives.

~ Do you need to have your way to be happy? The more time you spend with God, the more like Him you'll become.

~ The Holy Spirit instigates faith, and He'll see you through the
obstacles in life along your pathway. You can believe for one more day!

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