1 Thessalonians – Week 6 – Day 4

READ 

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 

16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 

This passage reveals an aspect of Christ’s coming in the air. He does not come to the earth at this time as prophesied in Zechariah 14:1-4 and Revelation 19:11-16. Some say the word “rapture” does not occur in the Bible. The word is derived from the Latin word rapturo that is translated “caught up” in verse 17. This is an excellent passage to read at the graveside ceremony for believers who have passed away. 

REFLECT 

Think of this joyous reunion when believers are caught up to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever! 

RESPOND 

Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 to see another passage that refers to believers having they bodies changed in the blink of an eye when Jesus returns in the air for them.