September 10 2026

September 10 Thursday

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

Forever With the Lord

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Yesterday we began looking at one of the most comforting passages in all the Bible. Paul told the Thessalonian believers that he did not want them to be ignorant concerning those who had died in Christ. Some of their Christian friends and loved ones had died, and they apparently wondered what would happen to them when Jesus returned. Paul assured them that while Christians certainly sorrow when someone we love dies, we do not sorrow as others who have no hope. And why do we have hope? Because verse 14 tells us: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” Our hope is founded upon the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Today, in verses 15 through 18, Paul gives us more details about what will happen when Jesus comes again. Paul begins in verse 15: “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord.” I love that expression. Paul wants them to understand that what he is about to tell them isn't speculation. It isn't Paul's personal theory about the future. He says it is “by the word of the Lord.” Then Paul says: “That we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.” The Thessalonians were concerned that believers who had already died might somehow miss something when Jesus returned. Paul says, “No, they won't be left behind at all.” In fact, they have a place of priority in what happens next.

Verse 16 says: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” Notice those first four words: “For the Lord Himself.” Jesus isn't sending an angel to get us. The Lord Himself is coming! The same Jesus who left this earth is coming again. Acts chapter 1 tells us that when Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels told the disciples: “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

What a wonderful promise. This same Jesus is coming again. The Jesus who was born in Bethlehem. The Jesus who walked the shores of Galilee. The Jesus who healed the sick and opened blinded eyes. The Jesus who died upon the cross. The Jesus who rose from the grave. The Jesus who ascended into heaven. That same Jesus is coming again! And Paul says His coming will be accompanied by a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God.

Then something incredible happens: “And the dead in Christ will rise first.” Those bodies that have been placed into graves throughout the centuries will be raised. The oceans cannot keep them. The graves cannot hold them. Death itself cannot prevent the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. First Corinthians 15 tells us that they will be raised incorruptible. These bodies that experience sickness, pain, weakness, aging, and death will be raised as glorified bodies.

Then Paul says in verse 17: “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds.” That expression “caught up” means to be suddenly seized or taken away. It is from the Latin translation of this expression that we get our familiar word “rapture.” Someone might say, “The word rapture isn't in my English Bible.” That's true, but the truth described by that word certainly is. Paul says believers who are alive when Christ comes will be “caught up.” First Corinthians 15:51–52 describes the same wonderful event: “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” Think about that! There may be a generation of believers who will never experience physical death. One moment they will be living their ordinary lives here on earth, and the next moment they will be transformed and caught up to meet Jesus.

But notice something else that I especially love. Paul says we will be caught up “together with them.” Remember what the Thessalonians were worried about? Their loved ones who had died. Paul says there is going to be a reunion! The dead in Christ will rise, living believers will be changed, and together we will meet the Lord. I've often thought about what that reunion will be like. Parents reunited with children. Husbands reunited with wives. Brothers and sisters together again. Friends and fellow believers separated by death embracing once more. What a day that will be!

But as wonderful as that reunion will be, it isn't even the greatest part of the promise. Paul continues: “To meet the Lord in the air.” We are going to see Jesus! The One we have believed in but never physically seen. The One we have prayed to. The One whose Word we have read. The One we have worshiped. The One who loved us and gave Himself for us. One day, we are going to see Him face to face. And then comes what I believe may be the greatest phrase in this entire passage: “And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” Forever with Jesus. Never separated again. No more death. No more funerals. No more hospital rooms. No more cancer. No more heartache. No more goodbyes. No more temptation. No more sin. Forever with the Lord.

And notice how Paul finishes this great prophetic passage. He doesn't say: “Therefore, argue with one another about these words.” He doesn't say: “Therefore, speculate about dates and times.” He says in verse 18: “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” Bible prophecy isn't given merely to satisfy our curiosity. It is given to produce hope, holiness, faithfulness, and comfort. When we stand beside the grave of a believer, we can comfort one another with these words. When the world seems increasingly uncertain, we can comfort one another with these words. When our bodies grow older and weaker, we can comfort one another with these words. When we miss those who have gone before us, we can comfort one another with these words. Jesus is coming again. The dead in Christ will rise. We will be caught up together. We will see Jesus. And best of all: “We shall always be with the Lord.”

My friend, perhaps today would be a good day to look up and remember: Jesus is coming again!

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful promise of Your Word that Jesus is coming again. Thank You that death does not have the final victory over those who belong to Christ. We look forward to that glorious day when the dead in Christ will rise, living believers will be changed, and together we will be caught up to meet the Lord. Thank You for the promise of reunion with our loved ones who have died in Christ. But most of all, thank You that we will see Jesus and forever be with Him. Until that day, help us to live faithfully, holy, and expectantly, and help us to comfort one another with these words. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!