Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

For just a moment, I want you to mentally visualize the largest assembly you’ve ever witnessed. Perhaps it was a concert, a sporting event, or even a political rally. You were likely surrounded by hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of people. 

If I had to guess, you were probably a little overwhelmed by the noise, energy, and sea of people around you. This impressive moment will likely be etched into your memory for the remainder of your life. However, as incredible and breathtaking as that moment might have been, that massive assembly pales in comparison to an even greater assembly that’s coming. 

When Jesus peels back the sky and comes riding in the clouds, “before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:32 ESV). In this assembly, Jesus will judge both “the living and the dead” (2 Timothy 4:2 ESV). As depicted in the final book of the Bible, all will stand before the great white throne of God where they are “judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done” (Revelation 20:12 ESV). 

These few passages help us to visualize the coming of a great and awesome day. This day will be the last great day, and it will truly be a gathering unlike any other. All people, all generations, all nations, all living, and all dead will be there. You will be there, and I will be there. It will be a happy day for some, but it will be a sad day for countless others. 

What will this day hold for you? The time is now to make preparations for this mighty assembly! 

Brandon Baggett is preaching minister at Luverne Church of Christ.