1 Thessalonians 4:9-18
"To serve the living and true God" (1 Thessalonians 1:9) does not necessarily involve outstanding deeds. Above all a Christian is required to live peaceably, devoting himself faithfully to his daily task (v. 11). Soon will come the end of his work! At the sound of the Lord’s voice, each one will put down his tool and go to meet Him to be with Him for ever. The rapture of believers is the first act of the Lord Jesus’ coming (the second being His return in glory with them: 1 Thessalonians 3:13). He is coming to call them Himself, leaving this responsibility and this joy to no-one else. This joy should be the portion of every redeemed soul and their present comfort when one of their loved ones happens "to fall asleep". As death has been conquered (not yet destroyed), the dead in Christ simply "sleep" (vv. 13, 14, 15; cf. John 11:11-13). They will awaken, like Lazarus, but then for ever at the commanding shout of the Prince of life. Then in perfect order and as He Himself left the earth, we shall all be caught up together to meet Him in the air (Philippians 3:20). Will ours be the generation to see this marvellous event, awaited by so many generations? Everything points to it. Perhaps it will be tonight. My friend, as you read this, are you ready?