JOY OVER GRIEF; LIFE OVER DEATH
- Key Verse
- "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, . . . and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NASB)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
We do have the assurance that Jesus is coming back and will gather all of His chosen, living or dead, to live with Him for all eternity. We need to comfort each other with this hope.
Reflections
Have you grieved the loss of loved ones and wondered if you would ever be united with them again?
In 1978 I received a call that my mother did not wake up that morning. She was 55. She appeared perfectly healthy the day before. We were to have lunch that day in celebration of my birthday.
The year before, I received a call that my dad had died suddenly, without warning. He was 55.
The sadness of loss was almost overwhelming. I grieved, but as our passage today points out to us, "not as one without hope." The years since have held a void without these loved ones. But the Lord has faithfully reminded me of Psalm 27:10, "For my father and mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up." He has brought many friends and loved ones to fill the void. I am certain my mother knew the Lord, but I'm unsure about my dad. What I do know is that God is sovereign, righteous, and just. He affirms to us in today's passage and in many other places in His Word that He will never forsake us.
Today's portion of Scripture assures us there will come a time when the Lord will return and gather all His loved ones: all His children, living and dead, unto Himself. He promises that those who have already died will be the first to rise and greet Him. Then those of us who remain will be caught up with the Lord and our fellow believers to live with Him FOREVER. Remember, Scripture tells us that the Lord is faithful and His promises do not fail. The Lord encourages us through Paul to "comfort one another with these words." Does someone in your life today need this comfort and assurance? Emphasize to them that this life is like a short preface to an unending book. The book of Revelation ends with "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The Grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen." (Rev. 22:20-21, NASB).
Discussion Questions
1. Do you really believe God's promises about eternal life?
2. If so, what can you do to help other family members and friends to have this assurance? If not, what can you do to find this assurance?
3. If you knew the Lord would return tomorrow, would you live your life differently? If so, in what way?
4. Who in your life needs to be comforted with these truths? Will you be bold enough to share with them today?
Mary Ellen
March 29, 2010 04:34 AM
Linda you blessed me with this fresh new look at 1 Thesselonians. Your walk ministers to me. I see you faithfully greeting others, working in the prayer rooms and I know about your other studies and small group. Your purposeful, action oriented steps of faith inspire me. Thank you for this witness of yours, basically a picture of how God's strength continues to be a part of your life.
Leigh Ann
March 29, 2010 06:25 AM
so many of us have felt this pain and yet so many of us shy away from sharing the Gospel with those closest to us. Thank you for the reminder that time and life are not ours to control.
Gary Brandenburg
March 29, 2010 08:45 AM
What a great devotional to kick off Easter week Linda. Because He lives we live too. Thanks for all you do at FBCD.
Ken Newberry
March 29, 2010 08:46 AM
Great Job!
Diane Lafving
March 29, 2010 12:00 PM
Linda, I needed this reminder today - He is coming sooner than we think! You are such a blessing in our midst. Glad to be on the journey with you.
Annie C
March 29, 2010 02:00 PM
This is a great comfort, to know that those who I sorely miss, like my Poppie, will be there to greet me when Jesus comes again and I go to Heaven. It is also good to remember that those very loved ones are part of the "great cloud of witnesses" cheering me on to the finish line. (Hebrews 12)Blessings to you!
Mitzi
March 29, 2010 05:23 PM
Heaven felt much more real to me and a whole lot closer the day my Mom died. "Only a breath away" brings comfort realizing that we are not too much longer for this world. Thanks for your devo, Linda, and for your life of encouragement.