THE COMING OF THE LORD
- Key Verse
- "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." (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
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Central Truth
We should not grieve for loved ones like those who have no hope. All believers will be caught up to Jesus when He comes again!
Reflections
Like many of us today, the Christian Thessalonians were concerned about what would happen when Jesus returns. Will those Christians who die before His coming miss out on the glory and victory of His return? How sad to think they would miss the "shout, . . .the voice of the archangel," not even beginning to think of missing the "trumpet call of God"! (1 Thessalonians 4:16) Paul wanted to be sure to give them comfort and not leave them in ignorance. He wanted them to encourage one another!I lived with my grandmother the last one and one-half years of her life. This was long before there were assisted living centers, so we had a lady stay with her during the day while I was in school. I was frightened and alone with her when she died. I didn't know CPR, and there was no 911 to call. I knew she was a Christian, and I would one day see her again, but I still grieved. I knew non-Christians had no hope of ever seeing their loved ones again, but I knew death was not the end!
Paul explained to the Thessalonians that death is only temporary. The person's spirit goes to be in the arms of Jesus till He comes again, unlike the body that remains in the grave. He saw those dead as still having a union with Jesus, even while their bodies are in the grave. Paul said the dead will rise first to meet our Lord in the clouds, and then all those believers still alive on earth will be called up to Him. The thought of that day is more than I can comprehend. To think-- all believers will awake to a new life and live in a new body for ever and ever. That is the ultimate "happily ever after" ending to our story!
Discussion Questions
- When have you cried out for the Lord to help you when you didn't know what to do?
- Have you thought of death as being asleep in Jesus' arms?
- Try to imagine what the homecoming will be like when we are called up in the clouds with Jesus!
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Grace Community Church.
Doug Quinn
March 29, 2010 08:24 AM
Katie, Thanks for giving us the assurance of how it will be after we have completed our earthly journeys! I remember vividly that time in your life. We love you, Doug and Penny
Shirley
March 29, 2010 10:32 AM
Beautifully written, Katie...thank you.
John C. Holden
March 29, 2010 05:41 PM
Mrs. Griffin: Thank you so very much for the extremely positive and reassuring devotional. John C. Holden
Lynn Carpente
March 30, 2010 04:56 PM
Katie, well written with a reassuring eternal message and not to be forgotten!