4th July 2023
A personal appearance
It is hard to find quiet time for me. Life is loud here most of the day. I understand why Jesus would leave the group in order to connect solidly with his Father. So, when I was having a medical test done and the woman giving it to me said “Do not move or talk, but just be still” I gladly took it for a time of quiet to spend listening to God. I concentrated on the humming sound that the machine made as I listened quietly. Those 30 minutes flew by, but just one verse popped into my mind: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NIV), ‘For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.’
At first, the mention of the resurrection of the dead was my focus, but then I was drawn to the fact that God would come personally back into the world. He did so many years ago, but it was in a quiet and gentle way. There was no fanfare, no loud announcement to the world, other than the hints given in the Old Testament that he would come as the Saviour of the world; the Messiah. God slipped into our world with a gentle touch. He lay hidden in Mary’s womb from the prying eyes of the world. Only women know of the special blessing of carrying a child, and Mary was blessed far beyond this. She would give life to the one who would give her life eternal. She would kiss the face of God and hold him in her arms.
There is a saying: “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” Well, it surely will help for God to come and see that things are done right. God had to be our personal Saviour, for we cannot save ourselves no matter how hard we try. Verse 16 of 1 Thessalonians 4 speaks of how this time God will announce himself to the world; it will be visual and auditable. All will know this time that God is here. Sleeping will be no excuse, for even the dead will hear his voice. He will no longer knock on the door, but come in as Jesus did after his resurrection (John 20:19; Acts 1:1-10). There will no longer be barriers set up by mankind. Yet, I do not see this as an entrance of anger, but a rushing in of love.
We have in the Bible what people have named, the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The focus being put on the son and his failings, but the focus needs to be on the loving father. The father loved both of his sons, and he mourned over the one lost to him. He waited, always watching for his return, and he also loved the son who was with him. When the lost son began his journey home, the father rushed out to personally meet him and welcome him home. This is the picture I get from verse 16 in 1 Thessalonians 4. The Father loves his children, and he personally cannot wait to hold us in his arms. Those of us who love the Father will embrace his presence. We will have no need of fear because he has shown us his love through his Son and Spirit.
Prayer
I look forward, precious God, to your return to earth. You in your mercy and love will make all things new and good, you will heal the broken, and lift those who have fallen. Your name will be glorified by all, for all will see you for who you are; a God of love. We praise you God! In Jesus we pray, we praise and thank you! Amen.
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
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