1 Thessalonians 4:9-18

1 Thessalonians 4:9 – 18 (New American Standard Bible)
9) Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10) for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excell still more, 11) and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12) so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in need.
Those Who Died in Christ
13) But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16) For the Lord Himself will descend from the heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17) Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18) Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Devotion
Apparently the Thessalonians had concerns about when, how and who would be involved with the second coming of Christ. Have you ever wondered about that? What will it be like, quietly or with great fanfare. Paul indicates it will be an astounding event with “ the trumpet call of God” led by the archangel. The timing is unknown. It could be tommorow or a 1000 years and Paul advises keeping busy and be faithful in our walk with Christ. At the time of Christ’s return all who have known Him living and dead will meet again in a different plane than here on earth. It will be a joyful celebration, a reuion of those who have died thru the centuries and those who are still alive on this earth. I don’t know about you but it eliminates my concerns about death but reveals a new and wonderful eternal life with those we loved and especially Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Heavenly Father help me a be faithful servant while I live on this earth, eager to do the work you have proivided for me and to show God’s love to those who don’t have a relationship with you. Thank you Lord for the knowledge that life on this earth is only a short stop on our way to eternal life with you.