"Forever, with the Lord, we will be!" That's the word order in the Greek text, an order that draws attention to the permanence and proximity of our future. Before there was bold face font or highlighting, the Greek language put things first for emphasis. What is for keeps, forever, is our being together in the presence of Christ Jesus. God's family gathered, a family union never to separate. This is what we press toward, this is what will matter most.
Other stuff that seems important now won't matter so much then, maybe it doesn't need to matter so much now? With the most important appointment in forever rushing up on us faster than time itself, what am I caught up in, what am I caught up with. I want to filter everything through one measure--what difference will this make when I hear the trumpet sound, and His voice calls, "Let's go!"
Getting ready to go 1 Thess 4:9-12
When there is a big event coming up, things get hectic in preparation and anticipation. Pastor David and Janice's daughter Kara gets married this weekend, and there has been a flurry of activity around their house as the day approaches. So much to get ready, so little time!
There's an even bigger day coming--Christ Jesus is coming for His bride the Church--and the Church is being prepared for that day. Now, with such a big event, you'd think the preparations would be frenetic, frenzied, and frantic; you know, like the rest of life. Actually, God tells us in 1 Thess 4:11 to slow down, be still, dial back, be quiet in heart, rest.
I wonder what I could without in terms of ambition or activity? We are soon to make a huge move, from here to "forever with the Lord." Much of what seems so important, won't matter at all then. Maybe its time to unload some of that now, as we get ready to go.
There's an even bigger day coming--Christ Jesus is coming for His bride the Church--and the Church is being prepared for that day. Now, with such a big event, you'd think the preparations would be frenetic, frenzied, and frantic; you know, like the rest of life. Actually, God tells us in 1 Thess 4:11 to slow down, be still, dial back, be quiet in heart, rest.
I wonder what I could without in terms of ambition or activity? We are soon to make a huge move, from here to "forever with the Lord." Much of what seems so important, won't matter at all then. Maybe its time to unload some of that now, as we get ready to go.
For Better or Worse? It's time to pay attention... 1 Thess 4:1-8
God Himself directs us, to increasing fruitfulness, to prepare us to be in His presence (3:11-13). Wrapping my mind around that is a bit of a stretch, but as I begin to apprehend, then the question is, "So what then, what must I do, in light of that?" In 4:1-8, Paul assumes that they, like we, are in an oversexed culture, sex appeal is used to sell anything from pantyhose to politicians. Just turn your TV on--no, on second thought don't! The internet's a mess and even your email isn't safe. How did these people get my address? Oh yeah, its on the website...
So, in all this, how can a young man keep his way pure, How can we keep abounding in fruit in such a fallen, rotting environment? Paul's answer is the same as in Psalm 119:9, "paying attention to what God says!" My problem may be too much attention in the wrong places, not enough in the right. It can be done--it must be done. It's time to pay attention. We'll pay if we don't.
So, in all this, how can a young man keep his way pure, How can we keep abounding in fruit in such a fallen, rotting environment? Paul's answer is the same as in Psalm 119:9, "paying attention to what God says!" My problem may be too much attention in the wrong places, not enough in the right. It can be done--it must be done. It's time to pay attention. We'll pay if we don't.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Church is a family, but not just any family, it’s God’s family. God himself is our Father and he directs us, leads us, guides us according to his own way, in ways he knows best. The Christian life, following Jesus is really all about following our Father’s will on our way home, into His presence. Today we walk side by side, together, as family, glad to not be alone, better because we journey together. Ahead of us is home, forever. What it will be we don’t yet fully grasp, but our Father awaits us, and has paid dearly in His Son to welcome us into his presence.
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