By Joe Hawkins for Substack
Devotional
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:17
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Few verses capture the blessed hope of the believer more clearly than this one. The Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse of a future moment—sudden, glorious, and unlike anything the world has ever seen. The word “caught up” (Greek harpazō) means to be seized or snatched away with power. It’s the origin of the word rapture.
This promise isn’t fantasy—it’s prophecy. One day, in a moment, those who belong to Christ will be taken from the earth to meet the Lord in the air. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then those who are alive will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye.
In a world filled with sorrow, war, and uncertainty, this hope keeps believers anchored. The rapture is not an escape from responsibility, but the fulfillment of Christ’s love for His Bride. It reminds us that time is short and that our mission—to share the gospel—is urgent. The same Jesus who ascended into heaven will return to gather His own before judgment falls on the earth.
Application
This week, let the promise of the rapture fuel both your peace and your purpose. Live ready, looking up, and helping others prepare for the day when faith becomes sight.
Action: In your journal on Friday, reflect:
*How did I live with the expectancy of Christ’s return this week?
*Who did I share the hope of the rapture with?
*How does the promise of “forever with the Lord” change how I face today?
The rapture isn’t wishful thinking—it’s our blessed hope.
Devotional
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:17
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Few verses capture the blessed hope of the believer more clearly than this one. The Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse of a future moment—sudden, glorious, and unlike anything the world has ever seen. The word “caught up” (Greek harpazō) means to be seized or snatched away with power. It’s the origin of the word rapture.
This promise isn’t fantasy—it’s prophecy. One day, in a moment, those who belong to Christ will be taken from the earth to meet the Lord in the air. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then those who are alive will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye.
In a world filled with sorrow, war, and uncertainty, this hope keeps believers anchored. The rapture is not an escape from responsibility, but the fulfillment of Christ’s love for His Bride. It reminds us that time is short and that our mission—to share the gospel—is urgent. The same Jesus who ascended into heaven will return to gather His own before judgment falls on the earth.
Application
This week, let the promise of the rapture fuel both your peace and your purpose. Live ready, looking up, and helping others prepare for the day when faith becomes sight.
Action: In your journal on Friday, reflect:
*How did I live with the expectancy of Christ’s return this week?
*Who did I share the hope of the rapture with?
*How does the promise of “forever with the Lord” change how I face today?
The rapture isn’t wishful thinking—it’s our blessed hope.
ing our Blessed 
Hope is very soon can't wait to get out of this evil world. So much violence and hate. With all this peace talk it sounds like we may be getting closer. I think of peace and security or safety and sudden destruction scripture, and Daniel 9:27 the covenant with many.Also, we have a Muslim mayor in N.Y. that is not good.
