“…and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
(1Thessalonians 4:17)
A simple phrase, no long words and easy to understand on the surface. But a complex phrase, full of deep meaning with incomprehensible truth.
And so shall – These words provide a contrast from what has come before to what is to come after. They bridge the gap between what has just happened to what will be forever. Before it was sorrow, earthly life, saying goodbye and sending others away. But with the bridging of the gap, we are united with our Lord, and so shall we ever be with Him.
We – How mind-boggling to think that we should be called the sons of God; that we who have such a past should be given the promise of such a future!
Ever – What is forever? It is hard for my finite mind fixed on its grid of time to understand just what forever means. It is never-ending; it is never-changing. This situation in which we will be spans into the future forever, and ever, and ever…
Be with – The very words ‘be with’ speak of friendship, companionship, relationship. It is more than just a master/servant or king/slave. He is the Friend of Sinners and we shall be with Him forever!
The Lord – The Almighty, the King of all, yet the Lover of Souls and the One we shall be with for fellowship and worship.
And so shall we ever be with the Lord!
