Scripture
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Observation
These scriptures from Paul are such great scriptures of hope of what we hold onto in anticipation of Jesus’ return; and the expectation to see our loves ones who have passed; to see them once again. As the scriptures affirm, our hope is actually a promise of what is to come. I love the clarity that death as we know it, is only a time of sleeping for believers; and that when Jesus returns, as was in His resurrection, those that have passed will rise to be caught up with Jesus and us in the clouds to live eternally.
Application
Having performed many Celebrations of Life, funerals, and memorial services; I have experienced firsthand the mourning and sense of loss for loved ones that have passed. These succinct scriptures reveal and confirm God’s promises to us that not only will we be caught up with Jesus to live eternally, but also our loved ones that have passed away. It’s in those times of mourning of those that have passed, that I’ve witnessed how these scriptures provide a sense of hope, and also opens a door to those who have not but would can receive Jesus as their Savior. I have also found that many people are not knowledgeable about these scriptures and the hope that if found therein.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your promise of your return, and that as believers we and our loved ones that have passed will be caught up with you in the clouds to live eternally. I pray to do your will and be obedient to your Word as I draw close to you Jesus, and walking with you daily.
