Daily devotion – another whole year closer!
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
What a powerful way to enter into 2025—with our hearts anchored in this promise! In 1977, Helen and I gave our lives to Christ on a Tuesday evening, and from that day forward, we have been eagerly awaiting His return. Each passing day, month, and year brings us closer to that glorious moment when Christ will call His Church home.
When I think about it, Helen and I are now 48 years nearer to the return of our Lord. The early Church lived in daily expectancy of Christ’s return, taking to heart the words spoken by the angels in Acts 1:11:
“This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
The Apostle Peter also urged us to live in holy expectancy:
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…” (2 Peter 3:11-12)
Are you ready? Are you living each day with the eager anticipation of seeing Jesus face to face? The world will be caught off guard, but not those who belong to Him.
Let 2025 be a year where you live every day in readiness and joyful expectancy for His return.
Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!