1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 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. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Death...
The word commonly draws fear into the minds of people all around the world. The Bible tells us that death is an enemy of God. If this is the case we have ever reason to fear death, right?
Wrong...
The Thessalonian church struggled with the issue of death. They believed that only those living when Christ returned would be able to take place in the that glorious return. This belief resulted from their former pagan beliefs that there was no hope for the dead. Yet, Paul reminds them that they are no longer bound by their pagan religion and fears. Through Jesus Christ, that great enemy of God was defeated. "Oh death, where is your sting?" For followers of King Jesus, death no longer has a hold on us. Therefore, if death no longer has a hold on us and Christ has won the victory, then we cannot mourn like the pagans do. We cannot mourn as though this is the end, when in turn we realize that in Christ this is only the beginning.
Paul even says one more thing in response to "those who are asleep:" They will rise first. On the most glorious day when Christ shall come "the dead in Christ will rise first" and then "we will meet them in the air." Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we too have hope in the resurrection of our bodies at the return of the Son. Praise Jesus!
Last, but not least, we are to encourage one another with this Truth. Death is ever present. Death is ever crouching at the door. Yet, in Christ there is no longer any fear of death because death is not the end, but the beginning.
Thank God for the gift of life through His Son. It is only by God's providence that you have been adopted as sons to receive the inheritance. May God's grace be with you as you strive to bring glory to His name. Amen.
Preaching Christ Crucified,
Rev. Timothy R. Stokes
So true!
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