From Here To Eternity
The Coming of the Lord
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Bee's Thoughts:
The above passage is so comforting. Reading them makes life's trials bearable. For we, who are in Christ, have a hope for our future. Our lives go on after this earth (v16, 17).
Therefore, even when we or our loved ones who are Christians passed away, we need not grieve (v13) though we may missed them. For we know that we shall see them again in heaven one day. How wonderful!
Dear Lord,
Thank You for preparing a place for us, your children. Thank You for the hope we are sure of. For Your promise will come to pass.... You fail us not when we trust in You.
I pray now for all my friends, online and offline, that they will come to know and accept Your salvation one day, wherever they are. May You be merciful to them.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Tommy's Thoughts:
There are those who give up any opportunity to change for the better when they think how short their lives really are. Everything seems meaningless and days are wasted with meaningless and even unhealthy activities. There are nothing worthy to hope for or care about when life can be so unpredictable and unfair at times.
But, we learned from Paul in today’s passage, all believers will have the hope to be reunited in God’s presence, safe and secure one day. Even as at this moment, our lives may seems out of our control and filled with constant struggle, suffering, pain and defeat; God remains faithful to us and He will work all things for good for those who love Him. He has promised us for a glorious resurrection with Christ in the future; living eternally in His reign.
Dear Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy that allow me to come to You even as I’ve sinned against You. Forgive me Father and teach me to truly repent of all my wrongs. Lord, restore me again into joyful obedience and to ever walk closer with You each day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
