Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
“Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.”
God’s Preposterous Promise Devotional Series for Christmas
- On Our Way Back to God
- The Promise of Restoration
- God’s Promise to Comfort
- Prepare the Way of the Lord
- God Sings Over Us
- The Hope of God With us
- Trusting God’s Plans and Ways
- Get Ready for the Lord’s Coming
On Our Way Back to God
When I was single, I longed for days when we could all be together again. I grew up with 5 siblings. There was always activity going on around the farm. But far from home with no family nearby, it could get mighty lonely. Phone calls only made me more homesick. I prayed to be able to see my family again. I prayed that Jesus would allow me to get home to see my family.
Oh, to be together as a family. My heart often aches because I live so far from my parents, especially now as they are aging. Not being able to check in on them and see how they are doing is difficult.
Paul wrote the same thing to the Thessalonians. They were like brothers and sisters to him. He desired to be with them to see how their faith was growing. He urged them to keep loving each other as an example and a reminder of how much he loved them. Even more so, how much Jesus loved them.
One day there will be a great homecoming and all Christians everywhere – and from every time – will be together forever. And even better than that we will be with Jesus. It is God’s preposterous promise… to be with us!
Won’t that be a glorious day? We will finally be home and together with Jesus.
Points to Ponder:
- C.S. Lewis said, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in the world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” [Mere Christianity] We were made for another world. Take a look at Genesis 2 and note this perfect world. Who did Adam and Eve walk with each evening?
- Read Revelation 21:1-5; Rev 22:1-5 This is what we were made for. Compare this with the Garden of Eden.
- What has caused and still causes the chasm between God and Man? (Genesis 3:22-24; Isaiah 53:6, 59:1-2, Romans 3:23 )
- What was God’s preposterous promise for mankind? ( Jeremiah 24:7, Ezekiel 11:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 2:2 )
Prayer
How can we thank you enough, Lord? You have provided a way for us to be with you again. Thank You for sending Your Son to earth to live, die, and rise again to save us from our sins. Guide us in Your truth and cause Your love to increase in our hearts and for each other. Strengthen our hearts as we live for You and keep us blameless in holiness before You when our Lord Jesus returns. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.
Published with permission. Originally written by Mandy Farmer and published at the Discipleship Place ~ Women’s Ministries at The Church of the Nazarene in November 2019
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
Living so far from my daughter and grandbabies is hard at times but maybe one day we will all be together. And yes, the glorious day you write about will be wonderful! Thanks so much for linking up at our party – #FaithAndWorshipChristianWeekend 10.
Thanks for reading. I am enjoying this “new” weekend link-up
We are scattered from our 6 daughters. We are in 4 states. The holidays draw us home to our earthly families. I love that “Preposterous promise” of God to be with us. Thanks for linking up with us at the #FaithAndWorshipChristianWeekend 10
God with US is the most amazing promise. I enjoy linking up with you