Getting Ready for the Father's Return

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Sharon Campbell-Danvers 


Encouraging One Another About His Coming

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 (KJV)

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

As a young mother, my children would often become restless whenever their father left home for work or preaching engagements. Sometimes he would be away for extended periods, and before long they would begin asking, "Mommy, when is Daddy coming home?"

I would gently reassure them of his love and remind them that he would be returning soon. If one of them fell and got hurt, I would comfort them with hugs and say, "Daddy will soon be home, and he'll make it all better." Those simple words seemed to work like magic. They found comfort, not because their father was already there, but because they trusted that he was coming back.

The day before his arrival, I would gather the children and say, "Let's get the house ready. Put away the toys, tidy your rooms, and make everything look nice for Daddy." Immediately, their attitudes changed. They worked with excitement because they knew their father was coming home. They also knew that he often returned with thoughtful gifts, making the anticipation even greater.

What a beautiful picture of the Christian life!

As believers, we are also waiting for Someone we love. Jesus has promised that He is coming again. Although we do not know the exact day or hour, His promise is certain. Just as my children lived with joyful expectation of their father's return, we are called to live in eager anticipation of Christ's glorious appearing.

While we wait, we should keep our hearts and lives in order. We should put away anything that does not honor Him, grow in holiness, serve faithfully, and encourage one another to remain steadfast. Our hope is not built on wishful thinking but on the sure promise of God's Word.

Paul concludes this passage with these comforting words: "Wherefore comfort one another with these words." In a world filled with uncertainty, grief, and hardship, the promise of Christ's return gives us courage to persevere. One day, the Lord Himself will descend from heaven, and all who belong to Him will be with Him forever.

Until that glorious day, let us continue encouraging one another, reminding each other that our Savior is coming soon. May that blessed hope inspire us to live faithfully, keep our spiritual house in order, and eagerly await the greatest reunion of all.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that Jesus is coming again. Help us to live each day with hopeful expectation, keeping our hearts ready for His return. Strengthen us to encourage one another, remain faithful through every trial, and never lose sight of the glorious future You have prepared for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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