1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16
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Paul established the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. Most of the believers there were new to the faith and lacked firm teaching. In the Greco-Roman world of that time, death was often viewed with deep despair, and grief was expressed through rituals filled with hopelessness. Against this backdrop, Paul exhorts the believers not to fear death like those who have no hope.
Those who have “fallen asleep” in Christ are people who rest in the Lord before His return, and they will be the first to be raised when He comes again. At that time, both those who have already fallen asleep and those who are still alive will be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and enter the eternal kingdom with Him. Death, therefore, is not the end, but another beginning in God’s kingdom. When Christ returns, He brings not only the glory of resurrection, but also the sure hope of eternal life.
Brothers and sisters, we often see John 11:25 quoted at funerals or in obituaries the words spoken by Jesus Himself: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” This is a promise given directly by the Lord. Therefore, when we face the passing of loved ones or fellow believers, we need not fall into despair. In Christ, we have the hope of resurrection. This hope brings comfort and strengthens our faith.
The Christian life is not lived only for this present world, but with an eternal perspective. We know that one day we will be with the Lord, sharing in everlasting joy and glory. So even in sorrow, we have hope; even in weakness, we have strength. Every day of this life, we are called to live with eternity in view and to persevere in holy living. For life is in the Lord, and resurrection is also in the Lord. Let us comfort and encourage one another until that glorious day arrives.
Reflection:
Do we sometimes forget our eternal hope and focus only on the worries and pain of this life?
When comforting others, do we rely more on human words than on God’s promises? Are we living each day with hope, so that others can see the peace of Christ through our attitudes?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope of resurrection You have given us, so that we do not fall into despair when facing death. Help us to remember Your promises and to live with an eternal perspective. May we bring Your hope and peace to others when we comfort them. Prepare us all our lives to welcome Your return and to be with You forever. Amen.
Click to read passage
Paul established the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. Most of the believers there were new to the faith and lacked firm teaching. In the Greco-Roman world of that time, death was often viewed with deep despair, and grief was expressed through rituals filled with hopelessness. Against this backdrop, Paul exhorts the believers not to fear death like those who have no hope.
Those who have “fallen asleep” in Christ are people who rest in the Lord before His return, and they will be the first to be raised when He comes again. At that time, both those who have already fallen asleep and those who are still alive will be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and enter the eternal kingdom with Him. Death, therefore, is not the end, but another beginning in God’s kingdom. When Christ returns, He brings not only the glory of resurrection, but also the sure hope of eternal life.
Brothers and sisters, we often see John 11:25 quoted at funerals or in obituaries the words spoken by Jesus Himself: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” This is a promise given directly by the Lord. Therefore, when we face the passing of loved ones or fellow believers, we need not fall into despair. In Christ, we have the hope of resurrection. This hope brings comfort and strengthens our faith.
The Christian life is not lived only for this present world, but with an eternal perspective. We know that one day we will be with the Lord, sharing in everlasting joy and glory. So even in sorrow, we have hope; even in weakness, we have strength. Every day of this life, we are called to live with eternity in view and to persevere in holy living. For life is in the Lord, and resurrection is also in the Lord. Let us comfort and encourage one another until that glorious day arrives.
Reflection:
Do we sometimes forget our eternal hope and focus only on the worries and pain of this life?
When comforting others, do we rely more on human words than on God’s promises? Are we living each day with hope, so that others can see the peace of Christ through our attitudes?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope of resurrection You have given us, so that we do not fall into despair when facing death. Help us to remember Your promises and to live with an eternal perspective. May we bring Your hope and peace to others when we comfort them. Prepare us all our lives to welcome Your return and to be with You forever. Amen.