Notes From the Pastor's Desk
February 22, 2026
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Psalm 68:17 says, “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of chariots.” All of us have heard the old spiritual entitled “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.” It was first recorded in the year 1909. The song has blessed many people through the years and has helped us look beyond the present to the time we will be with our Lord forever and ever, in a world that is perfect and complete. The Old Testament chariot is the equivalent for our modern day automobile. The difference is they didn't have to use gasoline in their chariots. In the KJV the word “chariot” is used 64 times, while the plural form “chariots” is used 113 times. Let's look at some chariots in the Bible. Jesus is our Chariot that Will carry us to glory one day.
I. The Chariot of Certification
(2 Kings 2:11) - When the Lord took Elijah out in this unusual manner, He was testifying he had one in this world that was faithful unto Him. There were so many false prophets in the days of Elijah, like the prophets of Baal, but God did have at least one true prophet. In addition, there were 7,000 of the people of Israel that had not bowed their knees to Baal. God will do very special things in the midst of a congregation to let them know they have a true spokesman from Him.
II. The Chariot of Manifestation
(1 Tim. 3:16) - That verse says, “God was manifest in the flesh…” Jesus coming down to be born of a virgin, His coming to die for the sinner, is the way that God would take us to heaven. This Christ who will be our chariot to take us to be with Him one day, was manifest in these last times for you (1 Pet. 1:20). It is almost unthinkable that anyone would belittle Christ!
III. The Chariot of Confirmation
(1 Thess. 4:17 cp. Rev. 4:1). The Lord Jesus is coming back to get his bride one day and those who are saved will leave this earth in the first phase of His second coming. Jesus promised to come back, thus, He will prove Himself faithful and come back to take us to our heavenly home just like He said (Jn. 14:1‑3). That ought to thrill us in the depths of our souls!
IV. The Chariot of Revelation
(Rev. 1:7) - In the rapture of the church only the saved will see Jesus, but seven years later after the fulfillment of Daniel's 70th week of prophecy, every eye on the earth shall see Him when He comes to make war and to judge (Rev. 19:11).
V. The Chariot of Invitation
(Psm. 40:2 cp. Rev. 22:17). The Spirit and the bride are saying come. Through the chariot of grace God will sweep down in the lowest pit of sin and bring out those sinking to rise no more. God's chariot is not a UFO but rather His Dear Son and His marvelous grace inviting, reaching down and picking up the sinner.