Verse of the Day 5/31

Verse of the Day 5/31

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

I read today's verse as Bible Gateway's "Verse of the Day". As I read it I was reminded of yesterday's post from Psalm 103 about  God's "faithful love for us" to those who remember Him and follow His ways. For those who do so, who call Jesus Lord and Savior He will remember  us on that future day when Christ returns in glory.

My read through the Bible plan this morning took me to the second half of John chapter 11 where Lazarus was called from the grave.  Jesus cried out "Lazarus come forth" and Lazarus proceeded from the grave alive after being sealed in the tomb for four days.  The call was specific to Lazarus. 

When we read today's verses we may be tempted to think that it is a general call.  In some respects it is, but it is specifically for those who had believed, who looked for and longed for the day of His return., whose names are written in the book of life.  Jesus will come to fulfill His promise from John 14:3

John 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. English Standard Version (ESV)

Since the time of His ascension, He has been planning and preparing for His return, preparing a place for us where He will always be with us.  Are you ready and waiting for His call?

Revelation 22:20  He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!   English Standard Version (ESV)

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18The Message (MSG)

^15-18 And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master's word on it—that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they'll be ahead of us. The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they'll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.