Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:28
You may recall that when Paul spoke of the resurrection, many people scoffed and disregarded him. Others were curious and wanted to know more later. Paul’s letter gives them the “more” they were looking for. Having just lost my own father, there is assurance in Paul’s words. The hope we have in Christ is the biggest comforter when our loved ones pass away. Paul suggests we’ll see them again when Jesus returns.
Paul tells us more about what resurrection means and how we share in that with Jesus because we’re believers. What a grand vision to imagine, joining Jesus and the throngs of faithful ones who have gone before us in the clouds! Would we block out the sun? With the radiance of Christ, we would need no sun. Such a glorious future to look forward to. No wonder Paul told us to use this vision to stay encouraged.
While we wait for Jesus’ return, Paul shares great wisdom. “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” We don’t know when Jesus will return, and that’s okay. While it would be great to be able to mark it on our calendars as the big “red-letter day” we’re all hoping for, there is expectation and longing to keep us motivated while we wait.
Paul tells us all this so that we will be ready and not taken by surprise. Many will have fallen away, choosing the darkness for their fulfillment. Paul wants us to live in the light and keep our eyes open and be on guard. Keeping a clear head makes sense using our helmet of salvation. Paul speaks of such armor in his visual teaching about the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-17.
Paul packs so much wisdom into the ending of this letter. Are there any reminders that you especially needed to hear as confirmation? For me, it’s verse 18, which says, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Because I am always striving to live my life in and by “God’s will,” being grateful is how he wants me to live. Paul doesn’t say to be thankful “for” all things, but “in all circumstances.” As I’m going through the valley, as I’m struggling with an illness or grief, as I’m seeing hurt in so many places, God wants me to be thankful. I can be thankful that I am never alone. I can be thankful that my sins are forgiven. I can be thankful that one day I will rise with Jesus and live with him and all believers forever. It doesn’t get much better than that!
These verses are so much more than what happens at the time of our resurrection. The promise of that day gives us every reason to be thankful as we wait with eyes wide open. Focus on what Paul says we should be doing while we wait. One of my favorite things is to never stop praying. Staying close to God is where he wants us to be.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I look forward to that day when you return, and I can join all together with your faithful ones, together with you forever. Until that day, I want to live a life of gratitude for all that you have done for me. Help me to always focus on your blessings and not the trials. Forgive me when I let worry creep in and try to rob me of my joy. May I pray continuously, staying in communication with you for the strength and guidance I need. Thank you for how you love me and provide for me each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
