THE GREATEST RETURN
1 Thessalonians 4:16–5:8
It is a foregone conclusion these days that if a movie is successful, the producers will find a way to make a sequel. The idea is to cash in quickly on the popularity and attempt to strike while the iron is hot. There is no better example of this than action hero movies.
Over the last several years, billions of dollars in revenue have been generated through the continuation of storylines featuring the same cast of characters. The return of the hero excites audiences and gives them new reasons to cheer.
A substantial amount of time and money is spent on special effects and production costs. However, all these efforts will pale in comparison to what God has in store for His children in the future.
We can be assured that Jesus will bodily return. (16–18)
The last words in this passage are some of the most forgotten but also some of the most important. Paul reminds the Church to comfort one another. With all the bad news filling the air and with tensions at an unhealthy level, it is good to recall that church members should be there for one another.
We are in this together, and we should be quick to remind those around us of the hope and future we have in Jesus. I like the fact that Christ will come with noise! The sound of a trumpet and a shout is to say, “Rejoice!”
It will be the most beautiful sound we will ever hear while on this earth. Our ears will not have long to process the sounds because in an instant, we will meet Christ in the air.
We do not know the specific time Jesus will return. (5:1–3)
For centuries, false teachers have claimed to know when Jesus will return, and for centuries, they have all been incorrect in their claims.
If these same people would take a more appropriate view of Scripture, they would understand that no one will ever know beforehand the specific time of Jesus’ return.
You can rest assured that absolutely no one has advanced knowledge of the date of the return of Christ. It is not a code to be cracked or a formula to solve. The only thing that is certain is that we are called to believe His return is soon and to wait.
We are to be diligent as we wait for His return. (4–8)
Did you ever get in trouble for daydreaming when you were younger? When it comes to the return of Jesus, Paul permits us to daydream all we want! While he instructs us to be alert and sober, he also reminds us to look up. Do not get so discouraged or bogged down by this world that you forget you are only here for a season.
This is not your eternal home. Until that day, we are to be strong in faith, share love and remain sure of our salvation. The greatest return of all is inching closer for all of us. We wait and we watch.
There is one guarantee I can make for each of us. I will either go to Jesus in death, or He will come to me in this life. I do not know which it will be for all of us, but I do know it will be a glorious day.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
