August 6, 2025
The world is broken and desperately needs
the return of Jesus. I anticipate and am eager to hear that trumpet blast that
will precede my ascension to meet Him in the clouds, along with other believers.
We will be right behind the dead in Christ, who will rise first. I’m not alone in thinking His return is getting very close.
“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. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thess 4:15 - 17 NKJV)
More can be found in I Corinthians 15:51-56. This is only the beginning. By being caught up in the air to meet Christ, we return with Him to Heaven while predicted events of the Great Tribulation must take place. And after the Great Tribulation, when God’s torment upon the earth is complete, we will return WITH Him as His army, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, following Him on white horses. (Rev 19:14) He returns to judge the nations, gathered for Armegeddon against Him, and His people, Israel. To return as CONQUERING KING!
It has been the hope of the disciples and
every believer since Christ’s return to Heaven, that one day He will return for
us. That’s where my focus is – on Heaven and I am assured of that because I
accepted Christ as my Saviour and realise I am nothing apart from Him.
And then – Heaven! Our best imaginings will
likely pale when we see colours, and hear sounds that our limited human senses
are unaware of. And reunions! Blessed and longed for reunions!
But wait. What of our family and friends
who didn’t make the choice in time, or outright rejected the gift of salvation?
What torment, then, for us to know they are lost – forever. There is comfort in knowing God promises
there will be no tears or sorrow in Heaven, so could that mean that we won’t know someone
is missing? Because merciful God knows the grief and sadness that would bring
to us, He takes away all memory of them from us? I don’t know for sure, but I wonder.
Which then makes me think on those of you,
who haven’t made the choice. And by not making a decision, you are in effect,
rejecting Christ. That’s beyond serious.
Will you know what you are missing, and be
grieved – for all eternity - when you
understand that even the memory of you has been taken away from those you may have known or loved? How incredibly, and needlessly, sad. Truly, as if you never
existed. Or maybe that’s your wish.
Only by the Grace of Almighty God do I
begin to understand Him, and the depth and scope of His love for us. He wants
none to perish – but the free will He gives us means the choice is yours to
make.
The Holy Spirit helps me understand the
ways of God, and it is a gift, that is given when you accept Christ. Will you?
Liz
