The Trumpet of Jesus

“The Trumpet of Jesus” – the name stirs several images, doesn’t it?

My sister and I were texting yesterday about some changes I was making to my website. In the course of our conversation, she mentioned she met someone that we had both gone to high school with years and years (okay, let’s pretend “just a few years”) ago. When my name was mentioned, our friend Brian said he remembered me “sitting on the railing in the gym, leading the pep band, playing my saxophone.” (We will talk about the details of that on some other occasion!)

I left the house to drive to pick up my wife from work, feeling nostalgic. I popped onto Spotify and began playing some music from the 1970s and 1980s from a Christian group called the Imperials. The song that came on was titled, “The Trumpet of Jesus.” I found myself singing every word and thinking about some of the phrases. I then wondered if there might be some fun devotions captured in my memories and in the words of some of the songs we listened to “back then.” Over the next few weeks, shall we stroll down memory lane each Wednesday?

The song, “Trumpet of Jesus” was written by Michael and Stormie Omartian. Michael is an American singer, songwriter, arranger, keyboardist and music producer. He played as a session musician for Steely Dan, The Four Tops, Johnny Rivers, Seals and Crofts, Al Jarreau, Loggins and Messina and others. In 1973, Michael arranged and played accordion on Billy Joel’s signature song, Piano Man. In 1980, he won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for seven others for producing Christopher Cross’ debut album. He produced Christian albums for Amy Grant, Debbie Boone and the Imperials.

His wife Stormie had a handful of Christian albums, but gained her fame through writing. Her book The Power of a Praying Woman garnished over a million sales to date. She has followed up with several other books in the series.

The Imperials

The Imperials are a legend in Christian music. They have been active over 55 years, originating as a southern gospel quartet. Their innovative arrangements would pioneer contemporary Christian music in the 1960s, paving the way for the explosion of an entire genre of music. The Imperials would go on to win four Grammys, 15 Dove Awards and be inducted in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

The words to this song, couched in a rather disco-ish arrangement, was released in 1980 on the album “Priority.” The Imperials at the time featured Armond Morales, Jim Murray, Dave Will and Russ Taff. Here are the words to “Trumpet of Jesus.” Sing them as you read.

I listen to the Trumpet of Jesus
While the world hears a different sound
I march to the drumbeat of God Almighty
While the others just wander around
I’m a member of the Holy Ghost traveling band
We’re moving on up to a better land
I hear the voice of a Supernatural Singer
Like only those who know Him can

.

One sweet sound makes
A whole world of difference
When the world seems indifferent to you
His Melody of love calls you to be great
When marking time was all you thought you could do
So if you’ve been playing all your days by ear
Never knowing what your song was to be
Then pull up a chair, let down your hair
And take a few lessons from me

.

A spiritual fanfare has a sound all it’s own
At the birth of a lasting song
It’s been two thousand years since Jesus was born
And still the celebration goes on
If you feel the need to get your life in tune
‘Cause you’re tired of the derdge every day
Then turn yourself around,
Put your feet on the ground
And just hear what I have to say

.

A spiritual fanfare has a sound all it’s own
At the birth of a lasting song
It’s been two thousand years since Jesus was born
And still the celebration goes on
If you feel the need to get your life in tune
‘Cause you’re tired of the derdge every day
Then turn yourself around,
Put your feet on the ground
And just hear what I have to say

Still the Celebration Goes On

The words have a fun bounce throughout, including a “moving on up” phrase that harkens to the Jefferson’s TV show. Two phrases stood out to this former high school band member. One verse refers to “marking time.” When the band was in a parade, or waiting for a chance to move further onto the football field, the band was called upon to “mark time.” Our feet moved, we rocked “heel-to-toe,” but we stay exactly in the same spot. It felt like we were active, we might have even looked sharp, but we didn’t go anywhere.

I can’t help but compare what culture, cities, people, churches and each of us have been doing for the last 15 months. The world has us “marking time,” when the trumpet of Jesus calls us to “be great.” Maybe not what we thought we would be doing, but enough to win a “first” at a heavenly competition.

Finally, I love the phrase “a spiritual fanfare has a sound all its own.” We hear a lot of music in the course of our lives. Some of it makes us feel good, some of it evokes emotions, and some challenges us to do even more. When I started playing the saxophone in fourth grade, it was a challenge to get the “rest” right and not play a sound in the middle of silence. As a senior, I could play themes from commercials in the middle of a band rehearsal with no musical score. Who knew what we would be playing?

In the midst of dissonance and a minor key, a spiritual fanfare brings harmony, structure and real rest to your life. Grab your sax and join in.

The Trumpet of Jesus