Truth for Life
Introduction
A. EMBRACE THE WORD. BE TRANSFORMED BY THE TRUTH. (v.13)
B. ENDURE IN OPPOSITION. ADVANCE THE TRUTH. (vv.14-16)
Conclusion
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Genesis 3:8, 24; Exodus 29:46
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Genesis 3:8, 24; Exodus 29:46
Fri, 20 May 2022
Always Be with the Lord (1)
Observation:
What significant observations can you make about the presence of God in these texts?
Deeper Reflection
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST IS THE FULL RETURN OF the presence of God. At Christ’s return, the resurrected and raptured believers will “meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (vv.15-17). It is vital for us to understand and appreciate the key historical-theological movements of the temple of God – the representation of the presence of God – in the Bible.When Adam and Eve sinned against God, they “hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God” (Gen 3:8). Then God “drove man out” of the Garden of Eden, the place of God’s presence (Gen 3:24). Sin separates us from the presence of God. However, since then, God seeks to restore fallen humans back to His presence. This redemptive restoration is a divine initiative and pursuit of love and grace. God redeemed Israel from the Egyptian bondage for this purpose: “that I might dwell among them” (Exo 29:46). So, God commanded Israel to “construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them” (Exo 25:8).King Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem to replace the tabernacle (1 Kin 6-8). But God forewarned that if Israel breaks His covenant, He will destroy His temple (1 Kin 9:6-7). So, when Israel persisted in idolatry, God destroyed His temple by the Babylonians’ hand (2 Kin 25:8-9). This signalled the departure of God’s presence from His people (2 Kin 23:26-27; 24:20). When Israel returned from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem, they rebuilt the temple – the Second Temple (Ezr 1:1-4; 6:14-15). This marked the return of God’s presence to His people.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST IS THE FULL RETURN OF the presence of God. At Christ’s return, the resurrected and raptured believers will “meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (vv.15-17). It is vital for us to understand and appreciate the key historical-theological movements of the temple of God – the representation of the presence of God – in the Bible.When Adam and Eve sinned against God, they “hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God” (Gen 3:8). Then God “drove man out” of the Garden of Eden, the place of God’s presence (Gen 3:24). Sin separates us from the presence of God. However, since then, God seeks to restore fallen humans back to His presence. This redemptive restoration is a divine initiative and pursuit of love and grace. God redeemed Israel from the Egyptian bondage for this purpose: “that I might dwell among them” (Exo 29:46). So, God commanded Israel to “construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them” (Exo 25:8).King Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem to replace the tabernacle (1 Kin 6-8). But God forewarned that if Israel breaks His covenant, He will destroy His temple (1 Kin 9:6-7). So, when Israel persisted in idolatry, God destroyed His temple by the Babylonians’ hand (2 Kin 25:8-9). This signalled the departure of God’s presence from His people (2 Kin 23:26-27; 24:20). When Israel returned from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem, they rebuilt the temple – the Second Temple (Ezr 1:1-4; 6:14-15). This marked the return of God’s presence to His people.
Application:
What changes do I need to make in my view and attitude concerning the presence of God?
Prayer:
- Give thanks and praise
- Pray for SGI leaders: That God goes before them and be with them in all that they do
- Pray for significant people
- Pray for those in need
- Pray for self
Prayer Pointers:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
