Living together with Him

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. – 1 Thessalonians 5.9-10

Praise God that he did not appoint us to wrath. He could have. We are all sinners deserving of destruction. At every turn we oppose God and His ways. One day the wrath of God will be poured out on this sin cursed world. I believe that will begin with the Great Tribulation when, quite literally, all hell is going to break loose here in earth. I think Paul is indicating here that believers won't be here for the great pouring out of God's wrath. But, as I said before, eschatology is not my strong point.

Anyway, Paul uses this idea that Christians are not appointed to wrath to teach us an important lesson. Wrath is not our future, but something else is for us now and in the future. We have eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, so that, no matter what or where, we live together with Him.

‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’

‘And lo, I am with you always’

‘The Lord your God is with you, wherever you go.’

‘It is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me.’

We don’t have to go this alone. It is a big bad world out there and it is not always going to understand us. That can be a daunting thought. But I am not alone.

As I typed this I get the words to a great old gospel song by Ludie Pickett out of my mind. It really sums up this idea of living together with Christ.

I’ve seen the lightning flashing,

And heard the thunder roll,

I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing,

Trying to conquer my soul;

I’ve heard the voice of my Saviour,

Telling me still to fight on,

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

Refrain:

No, never alone,

No, never alone,

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

The world’s fierce winds are blowing,

Temptation’s sharp and keen,

I have a peace in knowing

My Saviour stands between—

He stands to shield me from danger,

When earthly friends are gone,

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

When in affliction’s valley

I’m treading the road of care,

My Saviour helps me to carry

My cross when heavy to bear,

Though all around me is darkness,

Earthly joys all flown;

My Saviour whispers His promise,

“I never will leave thee alone.”

He died for me on the mountain,

For me they pierced His side,

For me He opened the fountain,

The crimson, cleansing tide;

For me He’s waiting in glory,

Seated upon His throne,

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.