The dead in Christ

1 Thessalonians  4:16 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:  4:17 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.  4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Our life on earth is a limited one, everyone of us will die one day or Christ meet us in earth, but what we live our life for here will determine where each and  everyone of us will be in the after life. 

For believers, the antecedent of rapture will follow a predefined rules, Paul reminds us that Christ will return. He won't send an emissary or an angel; He will come personally. This is a promise we can hold onto in a world filled with uncertainty.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this passage is the assurance that the dead in Christ will rise first. This means that those who have gone before us in the faith are not lost but will be reunited with us. The resurrection is a powerful reminder of God's victory over death.

Those who are alive at Christ's return will also experience a transformation. They will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This moment is a powerful illustration of the hope we have in Christ, the promise of eternal life, and the ultimate reunion with our Saviour.

The final promise in these verses is that we will always be with the Lord. No more separation, no more tears, and no more pain. The comforting hope is that we will dwell with our Saviour for all eternity.

So, how should we respond to this passage?

First, take comfort in the hope of Christ's return and the resurrection of the dead in Him. When you face the grief of losing a loved one, remember that they are not lost but are awaiting that glorious reunion.

Second, live your life with the assurance that this world is not our final destination. We are citizens of heaven, and our ultimate home is with the Lord.

Lastly, share this message of hope with those around you. As Paul encourages, "comfort one another with these words." The hope of Christ's return and the resurrection of the dead is not something to keep to ourselves; it's a message that the world desperately needs to hear.

In conclusion, "The Dead in Christ" reminds us that our faith is not in vain. Our hope extends beyond this life into eternity. Let us hold fast to this promise and live in a way that reflects our belief in the return of our Lord and the joy of being forever with Him.

May the peace and hope found in these words of Scripture fill your hearts and sustain you in your journey of faith. Amen.

God bless you. 

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name. 

2. Lord, hell me to live my life according to your will in Jesus Christ name. 

3. Lord, grant me the grace to be raptured with the Saint whenever you appear in Jesus Christ name. 

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.