Sunday, November 8
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
We do not want you to be unaware.” . about those who have fallen asleep.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13)
We all struggle at times with doubts about our faith, and the Thessalonians were no exception. Some of their loved ones had died before Jesus’ Second Coming – an event they thought would happen in their lifetime. Now what, they wondered? How could the dead participate in Jesus’ triumphant return?
Paul reassures them: they haven’t lost their loved ones forever, so they don’t have to grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). When Jesus returns, He will raise those who have already died along with those who are still alive.
For us too, the seeming finality of death can lead us to doubt the truths of the resurrection. Even if we believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, we might wonder what’s in store for us after we die. Can God really give us and our loved ones glorified bodies that are never subject to sickness, decay, or death (1 Corinthians 15:52-53)? Yes, He can, but we won’t know’ what this looks like until we ourselves pass through death to life everlasting.
That’s where faith comes in: Paul was asking the Thessalonians, as he is asking us, to believe that Jesus’ resurrection really does have consequences for us. Christ is “the first fruits,” the first to be raised; “then, at His coming, those who belong to Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:23). We don’t know the details, the “how” or the “when.” But as we put our faith in Jesus and what He has done for us, He will move us from doubt to hope.
Paul consoles the Thessalonians with these words: “We shall always be with the Lord” (4:17). So will you. You don’t have to give in to doubt, which can lead to worry and fear. God is with you now, and He will be with you in the future – whatever that future holds.
“Jesus, I believe You are with me, both now and forever.”
Wisdom 6:12-16
Psalm 63:2-8
Matthew 25: 1-13
