◄ What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Mean? ►

Having just told us the glories of our bodily resurrection and the Rapture of the Church (which is the believer's confident hope), and also having given us full assurance that we are not appointed to go through the coming period of Great Tribulation (when the wrath of God is poured out on a Christ rejecting sinful world, and Israel is restored to their God-appointed position of supremacy on earth), Paul gives us some wise instruction on how to live godly lives that are pleasing to the Lord, in this present world.

We are to live in peace with one another and are to counsel others against falling into worldly ways and careless living. We are to encourage the disheartened and help the weak. We are to be patient with our fellow man and seek to do good. We are to live godly lives in Christ Jesus and we are also called to develop an attitude of rejoicing. Indeed, we are exhorted to: "Rejoice evermore."

As redeemed children of God and joint-heirs with Christ who are clothed with His righteousness, in-dwelt by the Spirit of God, and who have an eternal inheritance prepared for us in heaven, we have much to cause us to rejoice evermore. The sufferings of the world, through which we are passing, are for so brief a moment in the economy of eternity, that it should not affect the joy we have in our Saviour.

Let us rejoice continuously and give honour to the God of our salvation for the great and glorious things that he has done for us. We were dead in our sin, but are now alive in Christ. We were hopelessly lost, but now we are gloriously found. We were doomed to a lost eternity, but now we are eternally beloved of the Lord.

Therefore, let us rejoice evermore; and again I say rejoice!

Heavenly Father, praise Your holy name for all Your goodness and loving kindness to me and to all mankind. Thank You for sending Your Son to be our Kinsman-Redeemer. All praise to Your name from this day forth and forevermore. In Jesus' name, AMEN.