I Thessalonians 4:13-5 :11

  Paul ends this letter with an encouraging word about the return of Jesus.   The people were worried that those who died before Christ's return would miss out.  Paul assures them that this was far from the truth.. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. " 

Oh, what good news!  "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to see the Lord in the air and thus we shall always be with the Lord." Truly we can "comfort one another with these words."  

Paul reminds his readers that they know the truth... that there is a day coming when the Lord will return.  For those who believe that "Jesus died and rose again".. this will be a day of wonderful joy!

But, to those who are in darkness, those who have sought "peace and safety" in any other source.. in those who have lives characterized by sleep and drunkenness ( no self-control ).. those "of the night"; there comes judgement.. destruction..  " and they shall not escape".

We are "sons of light and sons of day", Paul writes, so "let us be alert and sober".  Let us put on "the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. "  God has "destined us.. for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."  We have every reason to be encouraged and built up as we comfort one another with these truths.

Verses 12-28 give a quick but packed recap of worthy walk living... if we are to be "alert and sober" and ready for the day of our Lord's return, let us:

Appreciate, love, and esteem  those in positions of leadership and teaching in the church.

Live in peace with each  other.

".. admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men.. " 

Not return "evil for evil.. but always seek that which is good for one another and for all men." 

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus " 

" Do not quench the Spirit"  Paul adds.  We examine carefully, hold fast  to the truths, and abstain from all evil.. as God Himself, sanctifies us through and through.

Father in heaven, we cling to You.. yearning for the day when faith will be sight and we will be forever with You!  Help us to walk worthily of Your calling upon each of us.  May Your will be done!

Take my life and let it be.. consecrated.. daily.. to You, Lord.  You are my hope and I rest in You, my Sanctifier,  as I look eagerly for Your return.  Keep me alert and self-controlled, by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is my life...
Amen.