His Example Of Endurance Is Worthy To Follow.

1st Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 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 by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

• Notice how we are told here that 'the dead in Christ will rise first'. This implies two things: That many will die for their faith (2nd Timothy 3:12, Revelation 6:9/11, Revelation 13:10, Revelation 14:13), and that the martyrs of history will be with the Lord Jesus when He returns at the end (Revelation 16:15, Revelation 19:11/21). The follower of Jesus is not to fear death in the world, but to only fear God (Matthew 10:28).

• The hope that we have in the return of Jesus is not to 'escape into the clouds' as so many are taught today (mainly in the West). But we cry Maranatha for Him to come and make all things new (no matter what it costs us). We are to be faithful to Jesus in all circumstances, not seeking to preserve our lives or 'hunker down in a bunker' as so many also believe they will do, sadly (Revelation 12:11). Jesus is to be the meaning and purpose of our lives, and not the 'substance' of this current reality.

• We have a hope beyond measure at the end of the age, and a living hope to see both our King, Lord and Savior, as well as our loved ones (who knew the Lord Jesus) who have gone before us. When Jesus splits the skies, it will be RELIEF for those who remain. It will be VICTORY and TRIUMPH to every soul who has endured to the end as He has commanded (Matthew 24, Revelation 2-3).

May we cling tightly to this hope now, and especially in the days ahead!