Ascending with praise

Tuesday 11^th March

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

“According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (NIVUK)

There is a deliberate vagueness and clear certainty presented in Paul’s words. People have wrestled with what this all means and have sought to read it literally and ended up a little confused. This is a consequence of the metaphors Paul uses, metaphors that require familiarity with older Hebrew texts (cf Daniel 7). Yet for all the uncertainty, and this arises because Paul was shown things that he could reveal, and things that he couldn’t (cf 2 Corinthians 10-13), Jesus has said that no one will be left behind. The glory of the Lord’s appearing will be majestic indeed and triumphant in every way.

We are to be encouraged by these words and give thanks and praise. Our response is best captured, as usual, by the psalmists.

“God has ascended amid shouts of joy,
    the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.
⁶ Sing praises to God, sing praises;
    sing praises to our King, sing praises.
⁷ For God is the King of all the earth;
    sing to him a psalm of praise.” (Psalm 47:5-7) (NIVUK)

The ‘ascension’ of God will be mirrored by His people and there is only one response.