I Thessalonians 4:13-18
I get the feeling from today’s reading that Paul thought Jesus’ return was in the very near term. Now, almost 2000 years later we still wonder about His return – yet we still believe and wait. I appreciated Paul’s compassion for his readers, especially his regard for their concern for their fellow believers who had already died. His words were both encouraging (v. 13, But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope) and full of force (v. 15, …we declare to you by a word from the Lord…).
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air… (v. 17) My Study Bible said that this is the only place in the New Testament where a rapture of living Christians is clearly stated. Yet so many people/denominations make such a big deal about it!
Today’s reading is a really hopeful message for all of us!
Slava Bohu!
Hey Fred, I found a triad! At the second coming, there will be: the Lord’s cry of command, the archangel’s call, and the sound of the trumpet. I don’t think we will miss it!
Well done, Debbie! I hadn’t even looked. Typically I don’t look for them – they just jump off the page!