Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 GLORIOUS COMING OF OUR LORD

1 Thessalonians 4:13- 18
 

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians was written to encourage and reassure the Christians in Thessalonica. Thessalonica is the capital city of the Roman Province of Macedonia. Paul had established a church in Thessalonica and preached Christian messages among the non-Jews who were interested in Judaism.  However, there were serious oppositions from the Jews who had promoted Judaism. Under this circumstance, Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica. Later, through his fellow – worker Timothy, Paul got appraised of the situation in the Church at Thessalonica.
The bible passage reveals the second coming of Jesus. The echoes of the gospel continue with Paul’s assertion that Jesus will return with the sound of trumpets (Matthew 24:31) and descend from heaven (Acts 1:11). It is important to note that here Paul asserts that believers will meet the Lord in the air. Those who are alive will be caught up together with the Lord, and those who have already died will meet at this ethereal encounter.
Paul’s complete confidence in the word of the Lord, a prophetic phrase in this instance seems to refer to the words of Jesus. The closest “word of the Lord” as is in the gospel of Mark 13:26–27 and its parallel reference in the gospel of Matthew 24:30-31. There Jesus describes the Son of Man returning in the clouds and the angels gathering from the four corners of the earth to meet Him. This hoped-for event is especially encouraging because those who meet the Lord will dwell with him forever. Paul says that believers will dwell with the Lord. Other passages that affirm this promise are (Romans 8:21; Revelation 21:1-4) that the dwelling will be on a renewed earth.
 Now let us all wait for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. May the God of peace sanctify us completely, and make whole our spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the hope and assurance that you are coming back for us. Help us to be prepared for your coming. Thank you Father for the promise of eternity for your children. Strengthen us to endure the trials and tribulations that we face in our daily lives. Pray that we hold on to your promises and steadfast love. Shield us with your blood so that no harm or evil will strike against us, in the mighty and precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Amen.

Thought for the Day
“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible”.

ROHN MATHEW JOHN
 ST. THOMAS MAR THOMA CHURCH, PATTOR, TRIVANDRUM

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