The Glorious Appearance of Christ and the vigilant disciples
Bible portion:1 Thessalonians 4:13-1
Devotion: Have you eagerly awaited someone’s arrival? As children when our Appa had gone for a few days we would be waiting for his return. Looking out of the window or waiting at the main entrance for him. O what a joy it would be when we all were finally reunited. Similarly, we ought to be looking forward to our LORD Jesus’ second coming. Jesus Christ’s first coming was an historical event, His second coming will be a global event of utmost import. Ever since Christ’s ascension His church have awaited His return. The believers in the early church looked forward to His coming while they waited many of the faithful died causing sorrow for those left behind. In the first epistle to the Thessalonians which is considered the earliest of Paul’s epistles, Paul encourages them clarifying about the LORD’s return.
A. Good Knowledge of those who died trusting the LORD. (1 Thess. 4:13a): Death is compared to sleep and like sleepers awaken, the faithful who have died will be raised to life at Christ’s glorious appearance.
B.: Grieving with Hope. (1 Thess 4:13b): This knowledge that death is not eternal separation, causes those alive awaiting the LORD, not to mourn like the rest of the world, who have no hope, for Christ Himself has given His sure word. (John 11:25)
C. GOD’s Word based beliefs (Good Faith). (1 Thess. 4:14): Jesus came to this world, died for our sins, rose again, ascended to heaven and will come again as He promised.
D. Great Expectation and Hope of the faithful, awaiting His return (1 Thess 4:14b,15): Those alive when He returns will see their loved ones who have died in Christ, (their souls) coming with Him. How are those who are alive at the time of Christ’s return to present themselves? Watchful, waiting, and praying. Not ignorant or uninformed but vigilant. As in the hymn The Church is One Foundation we sing “ Yet saints their watch are keeping their cry goes up how long? And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song!”
E. Glorious Appearance of Christ described. (1 Thess 4:16,17): Jesus Christ will descend from heaven, accompanied with loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and at the sound of the shofar, the bodies of the dead in Christ will rise immortal from land and sea and be united with their souls accompanying Christ. Thereafter those living who have trusted the LORD will be caught up together with them in the air .
F. GOD’s Promise to His people: ( 1 Thess 4:17,18): Once we join with LORD Jesus on His return we will always be in His presence inseparable forevermore.
Prayer: LORD Jesus, we are more closer to Your glorious appearance. May we be ever vigilant, watching and waiting as the Day is fast approaching, Help us to joyfully welcome You saying even so Maranatha! Come LORD Jesus. Amen.
Mrs Accamma Varghese, Bombay, St. Thomas Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Santacruz |