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Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Listen: 1 Thessalonians 4

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers of core Christian truths that are a source of hope and encouragement. He encourages them with the hope of Jesus’s return and a reunion with their loved ones who have died in Christ. Paul also reminds them that when Christ returns, “we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thess. 4:17). This is the pinnacle of all Christian hope. We will be with Jesus forever.

A number of things may excite us about heaven and the life to come. Maybe it’s being completely free of sin, pain and sadness. Or, maybe it’s reuniting with loved ones who have passed in the Lord. Each of these is a stellar source of hope and worthy of excitement. But there is one hope that should stand above the rest in our hearts: being with Jesus forever. Heaven would not be heaven if Jesus was not there. He is our highest hope and our heart’s true treasure.

TODAY: Do you have this hope? Scripture teaches that sin separates us from God, but Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He lived perfectly, died sacrificially, and rose victoriously. All who turn from sin and trust in Jesus receive forgiveness and the hope of being with him forever. If you don’t have this hope, today is the perfect time to turn to Jesus. Ask him to forgive your sin and tell him you believe in him. If you have turned to Jesus already, take a moment to praise God for this incredible gift.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Nehemiah 7. Highlight anything that points to Jesus.