Paul

December 17

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:5

Jesus is coming in the clouds

Paul wrote this letter to strengthen the Thessalonians in their faith and tell them that Jesus is coming back.

He said: “Fellow Christians, we want you to know what happens to believers who have died so that you won’t be downhearted and gloomy like those without hope. For the Lord will come down from heaven with a loud shout and with the sound of God’s trumpet. The believers who have died will be the first to rise, and after that, we who are alive will rise to meet Jesus in the clouds. Then we will be with the Lord forever! So encourage each other with this hope.

This day will come without warning—like a thief in the night. And even as people believe that they are living in peace and safety, sudden destruction will come on earth. Yet, because you don’t live in the darkness of sin, this glorious day—when Jesus comes again—won’t take you by surprise.”

What happens if I’m sleeping when Jesus comes?

The Christians in Paul’s time were looking forward to Jesus coming back in their lifetime. But, as time went by, some believers died. The others became discouraged and wondered whether those who had died would miss out on the great day when Jesus would come back (see Matthew 24:38-41 and Acts 1:11).

Although those who have died are in the Lord’s presence right now (Luke 23:43), all believers will be given a special new body on the day that Jesus comes back.

If you have missed out on some big event in the past, you may be afraid of missing out again. But you needn’t worry at all! Wherever you are and whatever you are doing; on the great day when Jesus comes back; if you love Him, you will be taken up in your new body to be with Him forever.

Verse for today

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Luke 12:40