(The following is the September 18 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Thessalonians 4 and pay close attention to verses 13-18.)
When Christians study Christ’s second coming, 1 Thessalonians 4-5 is among the relevant passages. The Bible doesn’t answer every question believers have about his return, but it contains all God has chosen in his wisdom to reveal, which is enough. Paul wrote about the subject so believers may encourage one another (v. 18), repeating that desire in the next chapter (5:11). Christians shouldn’t fear the second coming. Instead, we should find hope, joy, encouragement, and comfort in God’s unfolding plan:
13We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
15For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Next Step:
When you think about Christ’s second coming, are you hopeful and encouraged, or are you distracted by how and when it will happen? Praise him for his perfect timing and plans, and be encouraged.
