1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 - Expecting the Lord
Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
NASU
Thoughts:
These verses are so exciting, I can't wait for this moment to come! The return of Christ for the church is described here.
There is debate amongst Christians as to whether this is the rapture (only for Christians, preceding the 2nd coming) or the 2nd coming of Christ, after which the judgment of the world begins. But two things are not debated: the return of Christ as a future event that we anticipate; and that it could happen at any moment (referred to as imminency). Note how Paul writes in such a way that it is clear he anticipates this occurring in his lifetime.
Think about that. Before this day ends, the Lord could return! This may not be talked about much in our churches today, but this is what the Bible says. Given this fact, how might that change what we choose to do or not do, today? What things has the Lord placed on our heart that we intend to get to "some day." Perhaps today is the day.
Prayer:
May Your soon return change both my outlook and behavior, Lord. Transform me. Fill me with the hope of Your soon return! And may I be about Your work, in the mean time.
Amen
posted by Steve @ 6:10 PM
