Imagine His Return


Acts 1:9-11.


Movies can be so absorbing, that we are easily 
"transported" until the final credits thrust us 
back to real life. Yet more amazing than any film 
is what Christians will experience at Jesus' return.

The apostle Paul urges believers to become 
familiar with what will occur at that remarkable 
time (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Just imagine ...

• What we will hear: Jesus "will descend from 
heaven with a shout." (verse 16). Perhaps, the 
Lord will say something similar to the words He 
spoke when raising Lazarus back to life: "Come 
forth!" (John 11:43). The voice of the archangel 
Michael--the leader of the angelic host--and a 
heavenly trumpet will  also be heard, calling the saints to assemble.

• What we will see: The Lord will come down from 
above, (Acts 1:11), to be met in the air by newly 
resurrected deceased saints and then, a moment 
later, by "translated" living believers.

• What we will feel: Though it's impossible to 
know exactly what the experience will be like, we 
can expect it to be magnificent. We'll be 
transformed physically: unlike our present body, 
our new form won't be susceptible to pain, sin, 
sickness, or death. And in an instant, we will 
be  brought into the presence of our heavenly 
Father, to remain with Him eternally. It's not 
hard to become disheartened by the materialism, 
selfishness, and hopelessness of this world. 
However, we can encourage one another--and 
ourselves--with a reminder about Jesus' return. 
(1 Thessalonians 4:18). So when hardships get
you down, think about this exciting event in your future. The best is yet to be!