The Lord’s Shout

Tuesday, April 14

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV)

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

Devotion

At the time of the rapture of the Church, the Lord Himself—the Victor who conquered death, hell, and the grave—will come down from His heavenly habitation to give a shout (keleusma, Greek): an arousing command, an order to resurrect the dead bodies of the righteous and to call His Bride home. The voice—the sound of the archangel—will join Him, along with the trumpet of God, to assemble His people. This is a command to action. (The Apostle Paul does not indicate whether or not everyone will hear the call of the Savior, but for those who do, it is a sound we have been waiting for—for those who anticipate and love His appearing.) Upon the sound of the shout, the bodies of the righteous—who have proclaimed Jesus Christ as their Savior but have died, and whose spirits have gone on to heaven before us—will rise (will be resurrected) first.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 goes on to say, “Then we who are alive and remain.” The words that the Apostle Paul used here are noteworthy. The word “alive” (hoi zōntoi, Greek) means “robust, thriving, and vigorous”—not just physically alive, but spiritually alive and strong. The origin of the word “remain” refers to a remnant, meaning a smaller portion of a larger whole. These are the faithful ones who remain—those who have endured, overcome, and stayed steadfast, waiting for the return of Jesus. These believers in Christ will be “caught up” (harpazō, Greek), meaning snatched suddenly, seized, taken away out of danger “just in time.” We will be joined together with those who have gone before us to meet the Lord in the air, where we will be with Him forever. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!

In the days we live in, may we exhort one another to live holy and soberly, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. For He has given Himself to redeem us, to purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:12–14).

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray for the grace to remain steadfast, a faithful servant at the time of Your Return.  Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, for I depend on Your strength today.  When You come, I want to be found faithful and ready.  In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Whatever area needs to be re-aligned to His will, make the change, surrender to Him. There is no time like the present to get right before God.

Resources
  • Don’t miss this powerful message, “Make Room For Change.” It’s a timely reminder to prepare our hearts, set our house in order, and live with eternity in view.
  • Today is your moment. Don’t wait for another sign or a better time, today is the day of salvation. God is calling you into a life of hope, forgiveness, and purpose. No matter your past, His grace is greater. Open your heart, surrender your life, and say yes to Jesus today. Click Here.