Looking Forward

Dear Faith Family,

Therefore encourage one another with these words, (1 Thessalonians 4:18). 

A bit prehistoric in appearance.  Capable of making cute little, almost a grunt, sounds.  Happy as a lark having taken up residence in the master bathroom bathtub.  Grant named his pet snuggles (not the first name that comes to mind when I think of an alligator!). 

We asked Grant if he had to have a special license to own an alligator.  His response?  “I ordered it online and they sent it to me, so I guess it’s legal.”  The follow up question asked him what he would do in the future when snuggles got big.  Grant paused contemplatively.  And then these words of wisdom escaped his lips, “I don’t live in the future!” 

Unfortunately, that mindset has infected our culture.  The here and now has stolen the spotlight attempting to hide the future backstage.  In our verse today, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, Paul calls the church to encourage one another with “these words”.  What words?  Words concerning the future!  What about the future? 

You need to read the preceding verses in 1 Thessalonians 4.  There Paul talks about the hope (not some wishful thinking but rather, the confident expectation of what is sure to come) that is ours in Christ Jesus.  Specifically, the reality that we will see our friends and loved ones who have died in Christ! 

So let that sink in.  Make a mental list of family members in Christ who are currently with the Lord.  The next time I see my earthly father (and I will see him again!), he will be glorified – and so will I!  I can’t even tell you what that looks like.  Our fathers and mothers in the faith, our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us – we will see them again – glorified! 

And Abraham, Moses, Rahab, David, Mary, Paul, Peter….  They aren’t just historical “has beens”.  They are real people with whom we will be reunited forever in Christ.  And all that is true because Jesus is coming back.  We will be caught up together with all the children of God in Christ to meet the Lord in the air! 

Sometimes the struggles of this life and even the “stuff” of this life can force hope backstage.  Let’s usher hope back into the spotlight by encouraging each other with the truth, God's Word. May God grant us the ability to live today in the future.

Living in hope,

Pastor Karl