Day Of The Lord

 The first eleven verses of this chapter give important information about the prophesied 'Day Of The Lord' which will come upon the inhabitants of the earth like a thief in the night. 'The Day of the Lord' is that coming time of terrible Tribulation.
 This passage gives important information about the Day of the Lord, but encourages each member of Christ's Body with some reassuring information about the Rapture of Church-age saints, which takes place at the end of this age before the seven year Tribulation Period begins. This current age is called 'the Dispensation of the Grace of God' about which Paul teaches, in greater detail, in the book of Ephesians.
 Jesus died for us. He paid the price for our sins. The wrath of God was poured out on Him in our stead so that whether we are still alive on earth when He comes in the clouds, or cold in our graves, we are not appointed to wrath. We are not appointed to go through the Great Tribulation. Instead, we will be taken to live to be with Him, at the Rapture of the saints. No wonder Paul exhorted the Thessalonians, and us.. to "encourage one another with this truth and build up one another, with this heartening and joyful revelation - just as you all are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, what a wonderful message is contained in this beautiful passage of Scripture. Thank You that You caused Paul to teach this glorious truth so clearly and simply.. Thank You that we are members of Christ’s Body and are not appointed to wrath, because Jesus took all the punishment that we deserve upon Himself so that we might be forgiven of our sins and not fall under Your righteous judgement. We pray that as the day for Christ’s return approaches, when He will gather His saints to Himself, that we will be ready. Thank You that this day will not come on us like a thief in the night, as it does for the unbeliever. Thank You for telling us the end from the beginning. Help us to share this message of comfort and hope with those that are saved and those that are lost in their sin, for Your greater glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN.