Years ago there was a T.V. program that came on called “Wagon Train.”I can still see Major Adams played by Ward Bond sitting upon his horse as he raised his hand in a forward motion and yelled “forward, ho.” There is a lesson for each of us to learn in those fateful words “forward, ho.” We should not be satisfied in staying in one place for the remainder of our lives. No need to spend years upon years doing the “same old thing.” No progress will ever be made by someone who constantly changes direction or worse yet, by someone who never moves at all. The person that doesn’t move will not grow, and when there is no growth there is no change. The Christian life is a life that should be going forward, growing day by day as we read our Bibles, as we pray, as we love one another. I dare say that there is not a one reading this blog that hasn’t had discouragement come into their life, upsets as well as disappointment. When those things come into our lives when can give up, quit or we can say forward, ho. Paul put it this way.
1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
Paul didn’t want those who have put their trust in Christ to be ignorant and to be sorrowing as those who have no hope.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Paul says when times get bad and disappointments come, comfort each other with the words of hope in other words “forward, ho.” Job said it long before Paul and he put it this way.
Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: I like someone that knows!
Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body,yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Job 19:27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
