On That Day

Therefore, comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:18

As believers, we live between two great realities: Christ has risen, and Christ is coming again. Because Jesus conquered the grave, death no longer has the final word. The resurrection was not merely an event in history; it is the guarantee of our future. As Paul declares, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). The risen Christ Himself proclaims, “I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore” (Revelation 1:18). The empty tomb assures us that every promise of God will be fulfilled.

Today, the risen Savior reigns victorious. God has seated Him at His right hand, far above every ruler and authority (Ephesians 1:20–21). His kingdom knows no end, for Scripture declares, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8). Jesus is not only our risen Savior; He is our reigning King.

Because Christ reigns, death has lost its grip on those who belong to Him. Through His victory on the cross and His resurrection from the grave, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). Christ has “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10). What once seemed like humanity’s greatest enemy has been defeated by our greater Savior.

Yet life in this fallen world can leave us tired and worn. Ministry challenges, physical suffering, personal losses, and daily burdens often weigh heavily upon our hearts. Our hope, however, is not found in better circumstances but in a better future. Jesus promised, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25). One day the Lord Himself will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Our lowly bodies will be transformed to be like His glorious body (Philippians 3:20–21).

What a day that will be! The Apostle John writes, “We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2). Revelation adds this wonderful promise: “They will see His face” (Revelation 22:4). On that glorious day, we will behold Christ in all His splendor, shining brighter than the sun, and we will lift our voices together in endless worship.

Until that day, we praise Him for His never-ending grace. We serve, worship, and persevere not because the journey is easy but because the destination is certain. Every act of faithfulness, every prayer, and every sacrifice is made in light of the coming King. We live as those who are “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13).

So lift your eyes above present struggles and fix them on the Savior. The best is yet to come. The sufferings of this present time are temporary, but the glory awaiting God's people is eternal. As Paul reminds us, “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

On that day, we will see Him. On that day, we will know Him. On that day, we will praise Him forever. Until that day, we will keep on singing, keep on serving, and keep on trusting in the One who is risen, reigning, and returning.

Your Shepherd,

Pastor Mark