Our Scripture meditation is based on 1 Corinthians 15:22–24, part of the Epistle reading for next week.
[22] For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. [23] But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. [24] Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.
There are times when anticipation of what will happen next in life is exciting. And there are times when its nerve wracking. If we only could have a glimpse into the future! Knowing this, our Heavenly Father has graciously given us a glimpse of what will happen when Jesus returns.
If you are excited when thinking of what might happen in the end times, then I am with you. God has revealed a modest amount of information about Christ’s return, enough for us to know the basics. I’m curious about our Heavenly Father has not revealed to us about the end times.
Yet I also empathize with those who are anxious about Christ’s return. Jesus is returning in judgement. We know our sins and sinfulness. Jesus received the penalty of our judgement in his suffering and death. Because Jesus lives, we need not fear his return.
Still, it’s good to have an idea of what will happen. The Apostle Paul tells us that there is an order for being drawn to the Heavenly Father. First, Jesus ascended into heaven (v. 23, Acts 1:9-12). Next, those who died in the faith will rise from the dead to join the Father. Then those believers who are still living will join Jesus and those who died in Christ. (v. 23, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
All thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father, who has shown fit to comfort us through his Word.
Kevin Wilson 360 