Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: I Thessalonians 1-5
I Thessalonians 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
The resurrection and return of Christ are lightning rod teachings, meaning they draw criticism from both sides of unbelievers. The secular, natural, humanist individuals attack these teachings as folly. The religionist attacks them for their focus on Christ’s power, preeminence, and position. But for the believer in Jesus Christ, these two truths bring comfort (4:18 and 5:11). Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost wrote this book to comfort this church that suffered great persecutions. He constantly reminded them of the return of Christ. For this fact, this book is known primarily for its focus on our Lord’s pending return to earth.
While there is much interest in His return, associated with the commonly called “rapture” of the saints, consider the focus of Paul. Instead of when this will happen, the apostle focuses on what will happen. Much of the discussion of this topic seems to immediately turn to when. Whereas the actual focus should be what. The “when” will take place when it takes place, our knowing of it will not hasten it nor delay it. His return, and His taking away of His people to be with Him, will happen when it happens. In this truth there is wisdom. For each generation is to live as though His return will be today. Thereby keeping Him the object of their affection, work, and worship.
So, why is this book considered to be primarily about the Lord’s return? Because of the following:
The last verse of chapter one states: And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
The second to last verse of chapter two states: For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
The last verse of chapter three states: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
The last three verses of chapter four state: 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.
In the last chapter in the closing verses Paul states, And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (5:23)
In these concluding statements of each chapter, the apostle focuses on the what, not the when. Perhaps we should do the same. After all, are we to wait until the last moments to live in light of His return, or should we live every moment in that knowledge, though it may be years away? He will return - that is the what! The when? Well, until then live in light of it, look forward to it, and be comforted because of it.
Dr. William T. Howe
Kommentare