EMILY WICKHAM began her writing and speaking journey in 2005. She writes for Lifeway Christian Resources and enjoys serving the Lord as an author, speaker, and podcaster. She teaches via Indestructible Life, a podcast where women discover the life Jesus is and treasure the life God's Word gives. Emily also shares brief messages about the return of Christ on her YouTube channel. Please connect with Emily by subscribing below to her blog, Heart Stirrings.
Let Us Watch
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6, KJV).
Maybe this will be the year the Lord returns at the rapture. #Rapture #Jesus #Watch Share on XDear Readers,
Happy New Year! Maybe this will be the year the Lord returns at the rapture.
It’s been a long time since Jesus ascended into heaven after His glorious resurrection—almost 2,000 years to be precise. Early Christians such as the Thessalonians waited eagerly for His return, anticipating the joyful reunion with their Lord. God’s Word describes them as people who “turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10, NASB).
The Thessalonians’ hearts were focused on Jesus.
Over the years since the church began, faithful Christians have continued to wait. They have followed Scripture’s instruction to watch for Christ, excited to hear His shout: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Faithful Christians have obeyed God’s call to watch for Jesus’ return.
And today, many also watch and wait, “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13).
As this new year dawns, let’s commit ourselves to watch.
After all, Jesus promised to return for His own in John 14:3, saying, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
God always keeps His promises.
With all the uncertainty and tumult in today’s world, it’s especially comforting to hold onto Jesus’ promise. He’s coming to remove His bride from this earth before He pours His wrath on an unbelieving world. “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
Are you excited yet?!
The enemy of our souls seeks to distract, discourage, and derail us. He tries to fill our time with thoughts and activities that hinder us from heeding God’s directive to watch for our Lord. Because when we watch, it impacts the way we live, causing us to share the Gospel more urgently, follow the Spirit’s leading more closely, and imitate Christ more accurately. But let’s not fall for satan’s tactics in 2024.
Let’s watch, knowing our Lord is coming soon.
Also, if you’d like to study more about Christ’s return, please use my 17-Day reading plan,”Waiting Eagerly,” which contains Bible verses and video links. Just CLICK HERE to download your free copy today.
In Christ’s Love,
Our pastor often says, “I don’t know when, but I know that we’re closer today than before.” I too am watchful and filled with anticipation Ms. Emily. It’s almost palpable, isn’t it ma’am? Like my pastor friend though, I recognize that we while we can’t know, we can watch with great anticipation. We can also compare the events and happenings in this world against Christ’s prophetic world and see how the “birth pangs” are upon us. I’ve resolved myself to accepting that while His triumphant return for His bride, His children, may not be in my human lifetime, it will in my lifetime, eternal. That’s good enough for me. If I don’t see you and Mr. Mark before, I’ll see you up there sweet friend. God’s blessings in this coming New Year.
Hi, J.D.,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and encouragement. We have so much to look forward to as the bride of Christ! Our Father will send Him at just the right time, and until then, may we continue serving the Lord with joy.
In His Love,
Emily