Highlights In Today's Reading:
More than mere words, the Holy Spirit assures that the Gospel is Truth (1:5). We are children of Light; be ready for the Day of the Lord (5:4-5,11). Honor leaders, live peaceably, encourage the timid, care for the weak, do good, be joyful, pray (5:12-17). Thank God we can do His Will. We do belong to Jesus (5:18).
The supreme Conqueror, our Creator, the King of kings, will return just as He promised in a glorious, spectacular, and visible way. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words (4:16-18). Among the words of comfort to His disciples was the Savior's promise that He would come again and receive them unto Himself (John 14:1-3).
This promise was confirmed at the time of His ascension by two witnesses from heaven: This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven (Acts 1:11).
Jesus can use you to comfort those who have lost a Christian loved one with the assurance that soon they will have a joyous reunion — not only with Christ, but also with their loved ones. Jesus assured Martha that her dead brother's spirit was still alive and would never die: I am The Resurrection, and The Life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die (John 11:25-26).
This is true of believers of all times, such as Job, whose spiritual insight led him to declare: For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me (Job 19:25-27).
This is the hope of the Church — the greatest event to take place since His ascension nearly 2,000 years ago.
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him (I Thess. 4:13-14).
Thought for Today:
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh (Matt. 24:44).
Cross References:
For I Thess. 5:4: See Is. 35:4.
Word Studies:
2:2 entreated =mistreated, suffering outrageously; 2:9 chargeable = burden; 3:8 fast =firm; 4:4 possess his vessel =control his body; 5:14 unruly =disorderly.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Paul Broun (GA), Sen. Thad Cochran (MS), Sen. Susan Collins (ME), and Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA) • Country: Nepal (24.3 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India • Major language: Nepali • Limited religious freedom • 85% Hindu; 10% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment (Prov. 2:1-6).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:34