I will signal for them and gather them in. Surely I will redeem them; they will be as numerous as before. (Zech. 10:8)


WHEN MY GRANDFATHER rang the ship’s bell at the summer camp he helped direct, everything stopped. During the day, it was the signal to move on to the next activity. At night, it was the signal to gather together as an entire camp to “count noses” before ending the day. When the summer camp closed, the owners gave Grandpa the ship’s bell. He built a special stand for the bell near the patio at his farmhouse. When the bell sounded, it was loud enough to be heard in every corner of Grandpa’s farm. As it was at summer camp, it became the signal for workers and kids alike to come to the farmhouse. It often signaled the end of a workday. Other times, it meant that Grandma had dinner ready for us. In both cases, it was a welcome reminder to come home.

One of the Lord’s signals to His people is a welcome reminder to come home. He promised that His redemption will be complete—none of His own will be left to fend for themselves. There has always been, and will always be, a sure sense of God’s providence as He gathers His people.

We may not hear a ship’s bell as God gathers His people for the last time. What we do know is we will welcome His signal to come home.

Take a moment to worship God and welcome Him into the home of your heart.

Steve Wamberg is a husband, dad, writer, and pastor who loves his family, preaching, teaching, music, coffee, friends, and Nebraska football.