"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (go before) them which are asleep. 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...."
(1 Thess. 4:15-16)
While meditating and praying about an article for this most important time of the year on our Protestant calendar, my mind went to my dear departed wife and the above text. She was among those blessed people who would be called an early riser. She rose from sleep the way she retired for sleep, joyfull! This is the way she died and I'm absolutely sure she will rise from the grave with that same gleeful spirit.
Concerning our Lord's second coming to this earth, He places great emphasis on the resurrection of those who have died in the Lord. His first concern seems to be the dead saints’ resurrection. They will be the first participants in this great event. In this case one might say, "The last shall be first." Our precious Lord, as He did while on earth, will make sure all His people are on equal footing as we are caught up to meet Him.
To me the resurrection is all about reunion! Reunion with our loved ones and especially with our LOVED ONE! Notice the word "together" and "be with," in the text of 1 Thess. 4:16-17. Also I call your attention to the fact He allows us to reunite with loved ones and friends first. How like Him this is, always putting others before Himself. My wife loved His high priestly prayer in John 17. Particularly verse 24, "Father I will that they ... be with me where I am." She is!
By An Old Disciple
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