Behind The Song - Are You Ready
Updated: May 20, 2021
How the song came about, the meaning of the song explained and why the ancient shofar instrument is featured in the track.
Stream 'Are You Ready' on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3424Wfm
Inspired by the Book of Revelation, Are You Ready is a song I wrote 3 years ago in my last year of University. We were given the task to write lyrics using the unconventional ‘cut-up technique'. I began printing and cutting up *photo-copied* pages from the Book of Revelation in the Bible which contain many mysteries, prophetic messages, as well as lots of metaphorical imagery.
In the same year, the Archbishop Dr Costakis Evangelou MBE of the Church I attend gave a message on the power of the sound of the shofar. Coinciding with my songwriting assignment, I was inspired to somehow incorporate the shofar into the song I was writing. During the Church sermon, the Archbishop played the shofar and I left feeling different - impacted by the power and resonance of the sound which seemed to shake my core.
The ancient shofar symbolises and signifies the sound of God’s voice; the voice and vibration of heaven on earth.
History of The Shofar
The shofar sometimes referred to as the ram’s horn or the trumpet was sounded many times throughout history. It brought down the walls of Jericho outlined in Joshua 6:20 which says ‘when the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it.' Also, the blast of the shofar signalled a shout of victory giving glory to God, brought people to the attention of God as He was about to speak, and the Word also states that the shofar will be heard at the second coming of Christ.
Are You Ready?
The question is, what does the question ‘Are You Ready’ mean to you?
In the book of Matthew, Jesus warns us to “be ready” for the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, will come at an hour we do not expect, like a thief in the night (24:43-44). Romans 14:12 states that every person with no exceptions, will one day stand before God and give an account of his life.
Purpose
Death, an un-popular topic, is unavoidable. We are all mortal beings and cannot deny that. It is up to us how we choose to live our lives. How will you choose to live yours?
Before I came to the Lord at the age of 11, I questioned even at that age what my purpose in life was. Deep within me, I had unanswered questions; why was I on this earth, what was my purpose and what would happen and where would I go after I die?
I believe it is normal to ask questions, to do our own research and come to the realisation that we are not called to just merely exist.
How can we “Be Ready”?
The good news is, we have the Good News - The Gospel. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Jesus, The Son of God and The Son of Man (Are You Ready, for the Son) says that “I have come into the world as light so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness” (the darkness of our sin and the darkness of our ignorance). Jesus also says in John 8:32 “And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” (Amplified Bible).
Special Thanks
A special thanks to The Archbishop, †The Most Reverend Dr Costakis Evangelou MBE who plays the shofar in this track and to those in ACC Sheepfold who helped with the recording! I would also like to honour and thank my mother and father for their continual and unconditional love and support!
Be blessed x
Additional Sources
"You shall never see death. Jesus said there's more". Watch the Message by The Archbishop Costakis Evangelou': https://youtu.be/duKRgCGnf4s?t=1736
Want to know more about the Book of Revelation? Here’s an in-depth 60 minute teaching by Allen Parr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zutk92_yL9M
For more information on the power of The Shofar, here’s an in-depth message by The Archbishop Dr Costakis Evangelou MBE: https://youtu.be/fwDuaF0lLUo?t=2339
Additional Scriptures
- Ezekiel 18:32
For I take no pleasure in anyone's death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!
- 1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus