Machine Shop Worker Ready For Christ's ...

Machine Shop Worker Ready for Christ’s Return

Charles Swindoll once told of working in a machine shop alongside a fellow named George. George’s job was to sweep and clean out the shavings underneath the lathes and machines. Swindoll says George was born again, and he loved the teaching of Scripture on prophecy.

“I remember hearing him sing hymns as he worked. Many of them had to do with the coming of Christ, such as "In the Sweet By and By" and "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder."

Late one Friday afternoon about 10 minutes to quitting time when we were all weary, I looked at George and said, "George, are you ready?"

He said "Uh-huh."

But he was all dirty. He was just obviously not ready. I said, "Aren’t you ready to go home?"

He said, "Yeah, I’m ready."

I said "Look at you! Man, you’re not ready. You’ve gotta go clean up."

"No," he said, "let me show you something."

So he unzipped his coveralls and underneath were the neatest, cleanest clothes you can imagine. He had them all ready. All he did when the whistle blew was just unzip and step out of that coverall, walk up, and punch his clock and he was gone.

He said, "You see, I stay ready to keep from gettin’ ready - just like I’m ready for Jesus!"

From a sermon by Jeff Strite, The Final Battle, 10/25/2009