One of my favorite little books to read around Easter time is Gold from Golgotha by Russell Jones. It recounts in detail the seven sayings Christ makes from the cross. In the section dealing with the comment “Father into thy hands I commit my Spirit,” Russell cites an unnamed piece of poetry describing an ancient battlefield.

Apparently two soldiers were crossing a field where many men had fallen in battle. They stopped at the body of one soldier whose helmet was laying off to one side. His hand still gripped his broken sword, and his face was white and cold. The two soldiers assumed he was dead and began to pass him by when they heard a faint sigh.

Sensing that life was still there, they began to speak the gospel, sharing the words, “Brother, the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son cleanses from every sin.” And suddenly, the pale lips of the fallen warrior moved ever so slightly and gently whispered, “hush.”

Not sure what to make of the “hush” comment and wanting to make sure their message was delivered, the two soldiers repeated their spiritual message, “Brother, the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son cleanses from every sin.” Strangely the ravaged body gathered up enough energy to say, “Hush!” again. But this time he added, “The angels call the muster roll and I wait to hear my name!”

The soldiers did not speak any more. They just knelt beside their comrade and waited. Soon a smile creeped across the hurting man’s face. He was obviously delighted in that moment. And with one last breath he whispered, “Here!”

He told his friends to be quiet, because he wanted to make sure he heard the roll call.

You might remember hearing that old hymn entitled, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.” In part, the lyrics say “When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more and the morning breaks eternal bright and fair. When the saved diverse shall gather over on the other shore and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we are approaching Easter, this week might be a great opportunity to imagine a heavenly roll call. The Lord Jesus is standing at the right hand of the Father, the angels surround the throne room and there is a quiet hush in the air. The book of life is opened, and Christ begins to speak….

With anticipation, let’s listen for our name and be ready to shout out loud with great clarity, “HERE!”