MARANATHA

“The Lord Himself will come down from heaven at the word of command, at the sound of the archangel’s voice and God’s trumpet.” —1 Thessalonians 4:16

Jesus is coming soon. No one knows the day or the hour (Mt 25:13). In that case, the only practical thing is to be always ready and keep our eyes open (Mt 25:13). When Jesus comes again for the final time, “those who have died in Christ will rise first” (1 Thes 4:16). If you live near a cemetery, that will be a sight to behold! “Then we, the living, the survivors, will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thenceforth we shall be with the Lord unceasingly” (1 Thes 4:17). Even though this awesome event is in the future, right now we can “console one another with this message” (1 Thes 4:18).

For those mourning, the Good News of Jesus’ coming and our bodies’ resurrection will keep them from yielding “to grief, like those who have no hope” (1 Thes 4:13). Knowing He is coming will keep us working for His kingdom, dispensing the ration of grain in due time (Lk 12:42). Because of Jesus’ “appearing and His kingly power,” we will stay with the “task whether convenient or inconvenient” (2 Tm 4:1-2). We will “not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the Day draws near” (Heb 10:25). Jesus’ future coming transforms the present by motivating us to love Him and live for Him to the full.

Prayer: Jesus, may I hasten the day of Your coming by repentance, intercession, and evangelization (2 Pt 3:12).

Promise: “Resplendent and unfailing is Wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her.” —Wis 6:12

Praise: “For a sun and a shield is the Lord God; grace and glory He bestows; The Lord withholds no good thing from those who walk in sincerity” (Ps 84:12). Praise the risen Jesus!