1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Lessons in lockdown: Do not greive

Death is something that all people everywhere must experience. It is a universal part of living in this world.

But we as Christians have something that makes the harsh reality of death less fearful. We have hope for those who are in Christ when they die.

"Do not greive without hope"

This is Paul's message to those who believe. The reason for our hope is that we believe in a Jesus who died and rose again. A saviour who beat death so that we need not fear it.

The Thessalonian church were worried about dying before the return of Jesus. They thought that if they died, they would miss that glorious day when He brings heaven down to earth.

Paul makes it very clear: When Jesus returns, He will bring with Jesus all those who have died in faith. Those who die in faith inherit eternal life through the cross.

The basis of our hope is the belief that Jesus who died and rose again will bring back those who have died believing in Him.

The nature of our hope

The Jesus who approached us in His Spirit will come down from heaven one day. The one who brings about the glorious reign of God in The New Creation is one in Spirit with you who believes.

Jesus says that when that happens those who are dead will rise. Those who are dead will not miss out in the glory. They will come first - having a front-row seat.

The resurrection is not an extension of this life - with all its pains and problems. It is a new, perfect life free from suffering.

What about those who are still living?

The passage speaks of those still on earth being "caught up" or raptured to meet Jesus in the air. We will accompany the victorious king to glory.

The great reunion

Experiences we have on earth always have an end. Except this one. We will be reunited forever in the New Creation with perfect relationships that never end. Noone will die and leave us alone, noone will fall apart. An everlasting celebration together in Christ

Our responsibility

Don't be ignorant

Paul doesn't want the church to be ignorant about these things. We should always be looking forward to this hope. If we see it as it really is and remind ourselves of it, we are motivated to sacrifice things and take great risks because we know what we will gain! We are motivated to lay down our lives to share our hope with others.

Don't greive like the rest

Paul doesn't want us to grieve like the rest of mankind who have no hope. We are never without hope, so there is nothing to greive! The death of a Christian is something to rejoice in; because we know what they have gained in death. The loss of a job, or relationship is not going to destroy our life because we have hope in a God who gives us all we need.

We can be those who remind others of this hope when they are greiving. Point your brothers and sisters towards the hope they have in Christ.