1 Thessalonians 5:1. “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.”
CHECK THE SKY. He promised it would happen – He is coming! Not a stranger or an accomplice – He is coming! We will know without a doubt who it is – He is coming! No one is going to stop the process – He is coming! The voice of the archangel will make the announcement – He is coming! The sound of the trumpet will arouse all who are waiting –He is coming!
When? Don’t worry; everything is under control. What? The meeting, of course! We will meet Him – there – with them. Who? You who are family – brethren – children of light – of the day. How? Like a thief in the night – no time to make changes or preparation. Where? Whether awake or asleep – we will live – with Him. Why? We belong to the day – eternal day.
Look for -------? Times and seasons? Don’t waste your time looking at the calendar and watch. Peace and safety? Don’t get complacent because things may seem good to you. Destruction and war? Don’t be misled. They have been around for a long time. Sleep or awake? Don’t worry, as long as you are ready ahead of time. Faith and love? Put them on like armor and be ready for whatever comes. Day or night? It doesn’t make any difference which side of the world you are on.
Christ will return visibly – with a loud command. The angel will shout unmistakably – saints will hear. The trumpet will sound audibly – there will be a great fanfare. Believers who are dead will rise literally – the graves will not hold them. Believers who are alive will be changed instantly – raptured into His presence.
“O Father, who has reserved the time of the coming for Your own knowledge: I thank You for the promise of the coming of Christ. It is enough for me to know that it is going to happen. Just remind me from time to time to be on my toes and ready. Amen.”
1Thessalonians.5:2 “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it,”
PRESERVED. The preservation of the believers in testimony was always a concern of Paul. He wanted their complete sanctification, not a partial setting apart that would look okay outwardly but left the saints without a real and lasting peace. When we are at peace, not only with God but with ourselves and all the saints, it affects my whole person. I am at peace and preserved when there are no barriers between God and me. The soul is preserved because I am able to rejoice in songs of praise and thanksgiving, which not only affects my soul but warms my spirit toward God. The body is preserved because when I am feeling good physically, I am not sidetracked by pain or discomfort, so the soul can sing, the spirit is raised higher, and I can walk without complaint in the ways that please my Lord. And perhaps better than all the explanations I can make about it all is that it is a done deal. He that has called me will make it happen. I can be assured that it is going to be accomplished. Thanks, Lord!
“When I step ahead firmly, Father, it makes everything around my going seem right. I know the reason for that is the preserving hand of God. I praise You for this vigor; this enthusiasm; this confidence; this grace that reminds me that it He that is in me is making this happen. Thanks again! I really appreciate this! Amen.”