1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NKJV
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
Hope in God's Word is not wishful thinking, like sinking sand, but it is solid like a rock.
When a loved one dies there's a terrible "ripping of soul-ties", a vacuous vortex of the heart.
There's the reminder of their existence - clothes, photos, possessions - but an empty void where they used to dwell physically. It can seem unbearable.
Those who have no faith in the Risen Lord Jesus grieve without any hope of seeing their loved ones again.
Death, for them, is a huge bolted shut door - an insurmountable brick wall - a cavernous dark hole over an empty abyss.
Believers in Jesus, as this passage reminds us, don't grieve like that. Indeed, we grieve with Hope - the Blessed Hope of the Resurrection.
Indeed a believer's death is called "sleep" - we all know how blessed it is to fall asleep when we're tired out.
Those who have passed over before us are now at rest in Jesus awaiting the Resurrection.
As Jesus promised He has gone to prepare a place for us and will come to take us to be with Him.
John 14:1-3 NKJV
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Let each believing, grieving heart take comfort in the Risen Lord Jesus and His Promise.
Those without that Hope are encouraged to come to the Saviour whose Arms are outstretched in welcome - all for the act of believing:
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I Am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
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