“People Get Ready” was a 1965 hit single by The Impressions. Rolling Stone magazine named it the 24th greatest song of all time. It was regarded as an inspirational anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. Even though it was recorded nearly fifty years ago, the words are a prophetic call to this generation.
People get ready, there’s a train a comin’
You don’t need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin’
Don’t need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
People get ready for the train to Jordan
It’s picking up passengers from coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board ‘em
There’s hope for all among those loved the most.
There ain’t no room for the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there’s no hiding place against the Kingdom’s throne
So people get ready, there’s a train a comin’
You don’t need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin’
Don’t need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
One night, in a worship service, a vision unfolded in my spirit. I saw a nineteenth century frontier town with many from the community assembled at the train station. They had huge trunks and suitcases. Men and boys were handsomely dressed while the women and girls wore fluffy dresses and carried beautiful parasols. They all were excited about boarding the next train.
Finally, an observant young man shouted, “The train is coming!” In the distance, white puffs of smoke began to emerge above the tree tops. When the train rounded the last bend, the screech of the powerful brakes increased anticipation. There was an anxious shift to the train platform. Everyone was preparing to embark.
But as the train reached the depot something happened that no one expected. The train didn’t stop! Looks of shock, confusion and disappointment filled the crowd. Some started shouting demandingly for the train to halt. Others tried running after the train while dragging their trunks and bags. A few desperate people dropped everything they were carrying and ran fast enough to jump on board.
As I witnessed this wild scene, I heard a voice coming from above, “This train stops for no one!” It then became clear to me that God was going somewhere but only those who were unencumbered would be able to join Him. We know obvious sins will weigh anyone down but let’s not forget the baggage of worldly values and mindsets. “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Heb. 12:1). This is a key to transforming revival in the West. It’s time to let go of a fallen system and completely embrace a Kingdom that cannot be shaken!