What Happens NextSample

God has been up close and personal since the beginning. He walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8). He spoke directly with people like Noah and Abram (Genesis 6:13 and 12:1). He wrestled with Jacob (Genesis 32:22-32). Eventually, Jesus even came to earth and lived among us (John 1:14). In all these ways, God demonstrates his preference for personal connections with his followers. He is not distant or aloof. He wants to walk with us every day, to hear our voices, and to be heard by us.

It will be no different in the end times. Today’s passage reveals that at a critical moment in future history, when God spares his followers from the coming tribulation—the rapture— “the Lord himself” will appear and save his followers. Jesus will show up in person.

Paul, who first penned these words, had firsthand knowledge of what it meant to be in Jesus’ presence (Acts 9:1-19). It’s transformative and life-changing. For Paul, scales literally fell from his eyes. He saw everything in a different light after his encounter with Jesus.

Apocalyptic novels and Hollywood movies have tried to portray the rapture. They often focus on empty cars and vacant houses. But for followers of Jesus, the rapture won’t be marked by emptiness. It will be another personal encounter with the living God. It will be a transformative, face-to-face meeting. Similar to Paul on the road to Damascus, we will encounter Jesus from heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16), in his glorious light and commanding presence.

Reflection

Pastor Max Lucado said the rapture could happen at any moment. How does this affect you? Does it lead you to prayer? Or to live differently? Or, to some other response?

Who do you know who is far from God? Who can you pray for today so that he or she might be “with the Lord forever”?

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for being a personal god. You know what human suffering is like, and you have a plan to save your people from the tribulation that will come. Thank you for your compassion. I praise you for your personal connection with me. Amen.