• “One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime.” – Elisabeth Elliot

If Christ Should Come Tonight by Martha Snell Nicholson

Is my house set in order

if Christ should come today?
What tasks would be unfinished
if I were called away?

Suppose an angel told me
at early morning light,
“Your Lord will come this evening,
You shall go home tonight,”

Would ecstasy be clouded
by thought of work undone,
The seed I might have scattered,
The crown I might have won?

The soul I meant to speak to,
the purse I meant to share,
And oh the wasted moments
I meant to spend in prayer!

The weight of unsaved millions
would press upon my heart.
In their death am I certain
that I had not a part?

And such a few short moments
In which to set things right!
How feverishly I’d labor
Until the waning light!

O slothful soul and careless heart,
O eyes which have no sight, –
Work, lest you reap but vain regrets!
Your Lord “may” come home tonight!

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6 Responses to If Christ Should Come Tonight by Martha Snell Nicholson

  • Harry Bodden says:

    My mother introduced me to this poem in the latter part of 1940s. She got it from the wife of a moravian minister in Nicaragua. This was my first lesson about being prepared for the return of Jesus. I was searching the internet for old poems I first heard and I am to find this one again. It is said that Martha Snell Nicholson posted it in July 27,2011, I wonder who was the original author.

  • Emmanuel Quiazon says:

    I found like a pamphlet with this poem written in the 1990's. I read and felt moved by the message. I thought it would be a blessing to put music in this nice poem so we can share it to many people. I just don't know who to ask to for permission. I would appreciate anyone who could help. God bless!

  • Karen Mentzer says:

    Have been reading Streams In The Desert Vol 1 and 2 and Springs in the Valley for over 30 years now. Truly, it has been so many times……”a word fitly spoken!

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  • “Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your saviour, your guide? If He is, you don’t need to search any further for security.” – Elisabeth Elliot

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[A New Prophet Like Moses] “The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, — Deuteronomy 18:15 (NKJV)

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