1 Thessalonians 4:17
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
The promise of the LORD’s return is nearing. When Jesus left His disciples and ascended to Heaven, He promised that He would “come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) The verse above talks about that same day. He promises that we will “be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” When you read about this day, you see that this day will fulfill many things. Let me show you five things about this day and what it will do for you.
First, it is a fulfilling day. Verse 13 reminds us that all hope will be fulfilled on this day. This will be a day when everything for which we lived on this Earth for Christ will come to fruition. It will be a fulfilling day for the pastor who gave his life to the ministry to see lives changed. It will be a fulfilling day for the bus worker who spent every Saturday visiting their bus kids and gave most of their Sunday to bring those same children to church. It will be a fulfilling day for every ministry worker, as the hope for which they worked will be fulfilled. It will be a fulfilling day for every Christian who won’t compromise, for in that day their continued stand will finally pay off.
Second, it is a comforting day. Verse 18 says, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” I think of how this day brings comfort to the parent who saw their children go home to be with the LORD at a very young age. What a day that will be for those parents to see their children again. I think of every person who has a loved one already in Heaven, this day will allow them to see their loved ones again. This is why it is a comforting day.
Third, it is an exciting day. In verse 16, we are reminded that the LORD will come “with a shout.” Imagine the excitement of our first day in Heaven. Christian, all the heartaches and trials you are currently suffering and enduring will immediately be forgotten. This is an exciting day! I believe Christians will be shouting in celebration and praising the LORD when this day occurs.
Fourth, it is an imminent day. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, we are reminded that this day will come “as a thief in the night.” Friend, this is why you must stay busy serving the LORD. This is why you must live a holy life because you don’t know when our LORD will return. It could be today! Would you want the LORD to find you not doing what you are supposed to do? Have you witnessed to everyone you know? It is going to be an imminent day, and you don’t want to have incomplete duties when the LORD returns.
Fifth, it is a purifying day. In 1 Thessalonians 5:5, we are challenged to live as “children of light.” In other words, this day should motivate you to stop doing any works of darkness. Let me ask you, would you want the LORD to catch you doing some of the wrong things that you do? If you don’t want Him to catch you that way, you had better stop doing them now because He could come today. This day should cause you to purify yourself and start living a holy life.
The LORD’s return is near. Christian, you should live each day until Christ returns as if this was the day He chose to come. Your will have a fulfilled life if you live each day as if this was that day of His return.