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, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. 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 shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thess. 4:15-18 NAS
LET IT GLOW
What a weekend! We met with my husband's family and stayed in cabins down by a river. We hiked up, down, and around hills and boulders enjoying God's creation. There were waterfalls and caves, wildflowers, ferns, and moss. We even saw deer and a raccoon. But more importantly, we renewed our love and close bond that being family produces.
Then we left the mountains and drove down to the flatlands to a place where we lived 17 years ago. How wonderful it was to see old friends again; to see children and youth grown up with children of their own staying faithful; to renew fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. It was such a blessing to observe the changes that the Lord had made in people, those who stepped up to be leaders now. My husband pastored the church for 4 years. It was celebrating its 100th year anniversary. The Lord used a handful of Christians in a rural area back in 1911 to start a Baptist church. Only He knows how many have been saved as a result. Still, this church continues to bring the lost to Christ, and to worship the Risen Savior. Aaahh, getting together. What a blessing!
Paul said we will get together with other believers who have already died. If we are alive when Jesus returns to earth, their body will rise and join us. How's it goin' ta happen?
LET IT GROW
Before anything happens, at the appointed time, there's going to be a shout of command, an archangel's voice, then a trumpet blast. Will that get everyones attention? I should say so. What then?
First, the Lord Himself shall descend.
Seond, the dead in Christ shall rise in a resurrected body before the Rapture.
Then, we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them.
It's going to happen, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. We will rise up to meet them in the clouds. It will be the spectacular event of all time! And I'm going to be in on it. How about you?
Liberty Bible Commentary had this to say:
The phrase caught up in Greek, is harpazo, which in Latin translation we get our word "rapture."
The word in the original means "snatch," or "seize," and denotes a sudden violent taking away. The word pictures being "swept off" into the air as by a tornado. The result of this sweeping away, of course, is that we meet the Lord. Paul points out that these words are to be used by the Thessalonians to comfort one another concerning the welfare of their loved ones who have passed on. The will be reunited at His Coming!
This past weekend, there came a time when we had to leave our family and friends and return home. One day we won't have to leave. One day, we will get together with all believers and with Jesus forever. There will be no departing. What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see! I'm ready, how about you?
LET IT GO
Get ready to go.
Keep watching and listening for the announcement of Jesus' return.
Help others get ready to go, bringing them to Jesus our Savior.
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