The Shout
“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Usually when we think of a shout or shouting it is in the context of something surprising or frightening, or having some argumentative connotation.
However, I want to tell you something very interesting about that word “shout” in the context of today’s opening scripture. Greek scholars tell us that this is the only place in the New Testament where the Greek word here translated “shout” occurs, and it does not mean a shout of terror, or a startling shout. No, it is a word that denotes encouragement. It is the word that was used in olden times to encourage the rowers manning the oars on the galleys. It is the shout of encouragement for the people of God, the word that calls them, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. The One who loves us, who has done so much for us, will be there on the threshold of the Father’s house, and will take us in. What a scene that will be! Perhaps we will hear that wonderful shout today…are you listening for it?
