Tag: wait for Jesus
Joyfully waiting for Jesus’ Return!
Scripture reading for November 14th: 1st Thessalonians 1, Psalm 77, Proverbs 10
1st Thessalonians 1:6-10 “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the Word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the Word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead, Jesus, Who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
The Thessalonian believers were strong in their faith and their testimony of Jesus Christ. But some believers had already died and there was confusion among them about what events of the end times to look for. Some false teachers had tried to confuse them about Christ’s bodily return. Paul refers to Jesus’ return in each chapter of this short letter. His goal was to strengthen their faith through a deeper understanding of salvation and Jesus’ return to reward the faithful. These rewards awaited the living as well as those who had already died and were with the Lord. Paul assured them that God was faithful and those who had already died would rise first. He commended them for their repentance and patience to wait for Jesus who had already delivered them from the coming wrath of God against sin.
Psalm 77:19-20 “Your way was through the sea, Your path through the great waters; yet Your footprints were unseen. You lead Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your encouraging Word through the apostles of Jesus. Thank You for revealing Jesus Christ as the Way through the waters of judgment and the only escape from Your righteous wrath against sin. The hope of salvation brings me joy and my faith is a stronghold in this world. Use me to encourage others and to share the Good News of Jesus’ return for His own.
Proverbs 10:28-29 “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.”
Faith sounding forth!
Scripture reading for September 12: Proverbs 19-21, 1st Thessalonians 1
Key Scriptures: 1st Thessalonians 1:8-10 “For not only has the Word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
Paul commended the Thessalonians for their faith that exhibited itself in action. They had turned to God wholeheartedly from the idols they once served. They preached the Word to those around them. These works were because they believed in the return of their Lord Jesus from heaven to save them from judgment.
Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”
Proverbs 21:21 “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness and honor.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the revelation of Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and coming King. Lead me into a life of resounding faith that draws others to You. Amen.
Work inspired by faith!
Scripture reading for September 14th: 1st Thessalonians 1
Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians about six months after he had founded the church there in response to Timothy’s report to him. He had left there abruptly because of persecution and later sent Timothy back to check on them. (See Acts 17:1-9) He wanted to encourage and instruct the young church in the way of Christ.
“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1st Thessalonians 1:2-3) Faith, hope and love all worked together to bring thanksgiving to Paul’s prayer for them. Timothy had told him of their work to reach the lost there because of their faith in the Gospel message. The love of Jesus Christ poured out into their hearts by the Holy Spirit had prompted them to love others into the kingdom. They had kept at the work in spite of persecution because of the hope of eternal life.
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. . . . You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. . . The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia–your faith in God has become known everywhere.” (1st Thessalonians 1:4-8)
The brothers and sisters there had observed Paul’s conduct in the short time he was with them and responded to the Gospel message by faith. They imitated Paul and Jesus Christ, sharing the Gospel in spite of threats on their lives. Their faith was inspiring others!
A message of comfort!
Scripture reading for December 4th: 1st Thessalonians 1-5
“They tell us how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us form the coming wrath.” (1st Thessalonians 1:9-10)
Every chapter of this short letter has a reference to Jesus Christ’s return. Believers are focused on the greatest event that can happen to them, the return of Jesus Christ! He rescues us from the coming wrath of God on sin.
“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” (1st Thessalonians 2:19)
Paul was expecting a reward when Jesus came back. We should too! Every soul who has been saved through our ministry or giving to the Lord will bring joy and a crown and glory!
“May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.” 1st Thessalonians 3:13
Paul prayed for strength and purity in believers’ hearts so that they would be able to stand before the Lord. It will be a glorious time for those who are ready.
“For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will arise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1st Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Jesus is personally coming back for those who have trusted in Him. This will happen in an instant at the shout of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. It will catch many by surprise! True believers are watching!
“May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” (1st Thessalonians 5:23-24)
Thankfully, Paul prayed again for the Thessalonian and us as well. Thankfully, Jesus Christ is faithful and He will keep us blameless! Amen!