He will come. The Lord Jesus Himself will come again with a loud command and the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. When he comes He will bring with Him all those who have died believing in Him and they will rise first. The believers that are alive when that happens, will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, to be with the LORD Christ Jesus forever. [I Thessalonians 4:13-18]
Paul still has a warning for these young converts to be vigilant while they wait for this to happen, but for now Paul says that these words that he has just written are words of encouragement.
I must tell you that they encourage me. As I look at the daily newspaper, the Internet news sites or hear the evening television news reports, there is little that encourages me. As I pray with people, or hear about their tragedies, struggles, needs, I become discouraged at times. As I am faced with many decisions or choices or temptations, or see my children and grandchildren struggle, I am often brought low.
But then I remember that He is coming and when that happens, dead or alive at the time I will be with Him—and I am encouraged. I am encouraged because my hope is anchored in Him in a secure place where nothing can touch or destroy it.
I am encouraged because the people I have loved in my life who have died in faith are now there with Him. I may grieve for my loss, but I don’t grieve for them for they are at rest in His presence and there can be no better place. I am encouraged because I know my Redeemer has conquered the grave and lives, and as He lives, so shall I.
Come, Jesus Come!