1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, “For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
I am generally not a very patient person. I hate to wait for anything. If I don’t see quick results, I feel like a failure. But Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, talks about the most important event for Christians to wait for and is the first of many references to Jesus’ second coming which is the theme of the Thessalonian letters. When we “wait” for something, we generally get things in place to prepare for an event. In the Greek language, the word is used to describe a pregnant woman preparing for her baby’s birth—getting the bedroom ready, getting the crib, changing table, baby clothes, and boxes of diapers all in place for his or her arrival. This describes what Paul meant when he said: “to wait for his Son from heaven . . .” The Rapture is sooner than it has ever been before, as we see the birth pangs happening rapidly before our eyes (1 Thess. 5:9-10 and 2 Thess. 1:5-10), and then the remaining prophetic events to occur.
How has the Lord changed your life? How has He given you perfect peace and joy? Share that story with others – start there. Then wait in anticipation, be ready, for Jesus’ return for as 1 Corinthians 15:52 states will take place, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” Yes, this world is a mess and unraveling at lightning speed, but it is not, as sons and daughters of Christ, our permanent address. As David declared in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy: at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Look how the Message version of 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 is said: “Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore – your’re the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true god. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead – Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.” Now put in the city “Los Angeles,” rather than Macedonia and Achaia, as you re-read these verses (or the community where you live). It brings it home and is a challenge to me in living what I believe more passionately before the people I work with and those I interact with regularly. Think about that today – what message are you delivering? Think about the fact that God has rescued and delivered you from eternal punishment if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior (Revelation 20:15). My prayer is, “God, may my life be an echo of Your Word, as I continue to desert any dead idols in my life – abandoning them for they are wasting my time. Establish my work you have purposed and positioned me to do today (Prov. 16:10), bless it, make me of benefit, as I am anticipating Your return, which I know will be soon!” I take comfort that I have been rescued and delivered by Jesus Christ and that changes my perspective.
Max Lucado has said in his book Unshakable HOPE. Building Our Lives On The Promises Of God: “It is through the great and precious promises that we participate in the divine nature of God. They lead us into a new reality, a holy environment. They are direction signs intended to guide us away from the toxic swampland and into the clean air of heaven.” Amen!
Listen to Natalie Grant Face To Face (Official Lyric Video), 7/10/2020.