Have you ever heard the gag: pull my finger?
Bound to get a few giggles from kids in the school yard and the odd dad or two, this gag is set to fool the unsuspecting recipient into pulling the finger of the taunter, only to be followed by an unpleasant sound and smell, looks of disgust from the recipient and a whole lot of laughs from the gagger (no pun intended).
If you are previously aware of the outcome of this gag, the words "pull my finger" can stand as a warning to head for the hills or at least leave the room before suffering the consequences of its effects.
In the same way, the words "bombs away!" stand as a warning that if you are anywhere near or in a pool, you are about to receive the effects of an almighty splash from the clown who thought it would be a good idea to bomb dive in the midst of everyone.
Unfortunately with this act, there is no time to run, as the words are generally shouted at the time of leaping. The best you can do at this point is to duck for cover.
I always find it humorous to be in a shopping centre when an alarm is sounded. It seems that, while a few of us are checking to see if the alarm is a drill or not, the rest of the shopping community continue what they are doing as if nothing is happening.
We are so used to 'drills' that I wonder if we'd be able to save ourselves in the event of a real emergency.
Are you ready?
The Bible is full of warnings, the most exciting is that one day Jesus will be coming back.
The Bible tells us that there will be signs leading up to Jesus' return. In Luke chapter 12 verse 54 Jesus tells us that, just as we know by looking at the clouds if it will rain, so we must look for the signs and be ready for the return of the King.
We could laugh it off and say, "it's never going to happen in my life-time!" But what if it does? It's got to happen sometime so if it does happen in your life time, are you ready?
Exciting times
My nephew is getting married next month. As our family prepares gifts, wedding attire and preparations, we look forward to it with great anticipation. It will be a fantastic celebration filled with joy and we will celebrate with food and dancing.
Just as our family is excited in these preparations, so we are excited about Jesus' promised return.
Jesus tells a parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting with their lamps for the groom to arrive. The groom is late and the oil has run out in the lamps. The five bridesmaids who were prepared brought extra oil and were welcomed into the wedding banquet. Unfortunately the unprepared bridesmaids were left out (Matthew chapter 25: verses 1-13).
Don't miss out
Jesus doesn't want anyone to be left out. He wants us to be aware and alert which is why he has told us about his coming in many different ways, centuries in advance.
There is a whole book in the bible on the subject of his return called Revelation, not to mention all the prophecies throughout the Old and New Testaments. He has been preparing this for a long time and is so excited for the day when he welcomes us home.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." (John chapter 14 verses 1-4)
The way
And the way is this: God gave his son to die and take the punishment for all our sins. You see, he wants us with him so much, he made it as easy as possible for us, even though it cost him more than we can imagine, yet we allow so many distractions to cloud out the simple truth.
He won't force you to believe because he gave you the gift of free will, but he gives us chances. He's already done the hard work and the rewards are incredible and eternal.
He is longing to welcome you home.
'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' (Revelation chapter 21 verse 4)
Rebecca and her husband Tony, have four children and live on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Rebecca loves writing children stories, interest articles and teaching piano. She is grateful for a God who loves us.
Rebecca Moore's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/rebecca-moore.html