As the Christmas season kicks off, a very special visitor flew into Tupelo, Mississippi. His appearance will be the topic of conversation on the radios, news networks, and especially the classrooms as students contemplate the visit of such a luminary. Though many people have their doubts about him, crowds of people still gathered and stood for hours in the cold just to catch a glimpse of him and hear of the hope he strives to bring to every man, woman, boy, and girl. People were shoulder to shoulder, cameras were snapping, and children were stretching their necks to be the first to spot the man sporting his unforgettably famous hair. It’s unbelievable to think that the one we’ve only read about and seen on a TV screen will actually be within miles of us – the real deal, not just a “helper.” This kind of thing doesn’t normally happen in small-town Tupelo, MS. So, whether you “believe” in him or not, you better watch out. You better not pout. You better not cry, because President Trump actually came to town.
Tupelo is known for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but it’s certainly not a place presidents frequent often. In fact, there hasn’t been a Commander-in-Chief in North Mississippi since November 1934 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a speech in Tupelo to a crowd of nearly 75,000 to celebrate Tupelo becoming the “First TVA City.”
Times were certainly different then, seeing how FDR rode a train instead of Air Force One into Tupelo. He also sat atop a black car and waved to the people as he paraded through the streets to a ball field where he delivered his speech. He had the freedom to actually socialize with the struggling Mississippians, and then visit a federally funded home of a Natchez Trace Parkway employee.
President Roosevelt was inaugurated during one of the most difficult times in American history, the Great Depression. During this memorable speech in Tupelo, he said,
“Two years ago, in 1932, during the campaign, and again in January, 1933, I came through Kentucky—through the Tennessee Valley—and what I saw on those trips, what I saw of human beings, made the tears come to my eyes. The great outstanding thing to me for these past three days has been the change in the looks on people’s faces. It has not been only a physical thing. It has not been the contrast between what was actually a scarcity of raiment or a lack of food two years ago and better clothing and more food today. Rather it is a something in people’s faces. I think you understand what I mean. There was not much hope in those days. People were wondering what was going to come to this country. And yet today I see not only hope, but I see determination and a knowledge that all is well with the country, and that we are coming back.”
Indeed, America did make a “comeback.” Eighty-four years later, we have made amazing technological advancements that would blow the minds of the people who lived during the 1930s. Everything about our society has become easy and convenient. We have more than we know what to do with and we waste without giving it a second thought. But I think the great outstanding thing to me and biggest change has occurred not just in the looks on people’s faces but more so within the hearts of the people.
Our nation no longer values life. Our leaders seek their own personal gain rather than the success of the country. Our media’s mission is to destroy reputations and stir up distrust and animosity. Work is no longer valued and laziness is rewarded. The distinct guidelines God gave us regarding marriage and sexuality has been distorted to the point of no return. People boast about things that once made people blush. Our citizens are blinded by the light of their cell phone screens and have no clue, nor do they care about, what is actually going on in our land that has been so blessed. Eighty-four years later, people are still wondering what is going to come of this country.
Thankfully, we do have hope.
In contrast to the politicians of our time, who tend to be slanderous and self-serving, we have a Leader who will also make a grand entrance. A Leader who never committed a crime, much less a sin. No deceit was ever found in His mouth. When insults were hurled at him, He did not retaliate. When He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. He Himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds we have been healed (1 Peter 2:22-24).
According to Scripture, there is no doubt His return is near. Second Timothy 3:1-5 says,
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.
Matthew 24:7-12 states,
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of the birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.
In eighty-four short years, we have certainly witnessed these God-given warnings. The level of godlessness, lawlessness, and hatred amongst our countrymen is staggering. Though it is imperative we stay in the fight and vote for the candidates who best stand for biblical principles and value the sanctity of life, we shall not lose heart nor shall we become complacent!
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming (Matthew 24:42)! Unlike President Trump, our Champion’s appearance will not be scheduled with tedious details and hundreds of security guards. Our Conqueror needs no protectors. He will come in a flash, the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52).
As thousands waited with anticipation and wonder to see the mighty Air Force One descend from the sky, soon and very soon the Son of Man will also be coming in the clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:26)!
Millions will miss the President’s stop in Tupelo, MS. Most Americans could care less about seeing him or hearing what he has to say. But make no mistake, all will see our Savior when He returns to call His children home. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, rich or poor, black or white, Christian or atheist it will make no difference because at the very name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11)! Are you ready?
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20
