♫♫ “People get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord.
So people get ready, for the train to Jordan
Picking up passengers coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em
There's hope for all, among those loved the most.
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own believe me now
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there is no hiding place, against the kingdom's throne.
So people get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord.” ♫♫
Have you ever heard this song? There are a lot of songs written with a great message, and this is one of them.
How many songs like this have been written and how many more will come with a theme of warning? The Word of God is jammed pack full with last day wake up messages, but songs like this hit the secular market and became well played in 1965 and beyond. The song, however, was not about the coming of the Lord; but, was about a coming apocalypse.
The sixties were full of end of time overtones, but not about the return of the Lord. It was like a crossover song and was sung by many famous recording artists.
The message today is much more definitive. One of these sixties songs was, REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH, which is in the Southern Gospel’s, Song Hall of Fame. Gordon Jensen pitched the song to singing groups only to be shot down and told that it was not the kind of song people wanted to hear. Not giving up, he continued to pitch the song until it was finally recorded. Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys told Gordon that “Redemption Draweth Nigh” was the type of song that would be sung for years. Well, that statement came true, as most of the groups of the early 1970’s recorded this gem. Even now, groups still record and stage what is Gordon Jensen’s classic.
The words are more relevant today than they were the day they were written.
♫♫ “Years of time have come and gone since I first heard it told, how Jesus would come again someday. If, back then it seemed so real, then I just can't help but feel how much closer his coming is today.
Chorus: Signs of the times are everywhere. There's a brand new feeling in the air. Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky, lift up your heads, redemption draweth nigh!
Wars and strife on every hand and violence fill our land, still, some people doubt he'll come again. But the Word of God is true, he'll redeem his chosen few. Don't lose hope, soon Christ Jesus will descend.
Chorus: Signs of the times are everywhere. There's a brand new feeling in the air. Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky, lift up your heads, redemption draweth nigh!” ♫♫
I have found myself singing these songs often of late, and I might not be surprised to find that you are doing the very same thing.
I believe in you!
Your loving pastors,
Cleddie and GayNell