1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 AMPC
Now also we would not have you ignorant, brethren, about those who fall asleep [in death], that you may not grieve [for them] as the rest do who have no hope [beyond the grave].
It's not the end, but the beginning!
Today we have to give Tikka, our foster dog, back. She was never ours, she was just on loan to us.
As I watch her asleep next to me, I'm trying not to be too sad.
We've had the sweetest couple of weeks with her where we've seen her blossom out into a confident dog who enjoys her life. Now she is set for a new life with a permanent home.
We're not sure where she's going and we don't know anything about the new owners. Yet we hope she'll be happy and loved.
What's the point of this "ramble"? Perhaps I can explain a bit...
Death has been a taboo subject in our era. It's been brushed under the carpet to be dealt with only if we absolutely HAVE to.
However, this Corona virus has put "death" on the front page of our consciousness on a daily basis.
No matter how many "tik toks" or YouTubes we watch to distract ourselves, we can't avoid the very present likelihood that "death" could knock on our own door or our loved ones' at any moment!
So, then, it begs the question, what happens next? Is that it?
The verse today says that believers in Jesus don't have to grieve or fear like others.
We can have the certainty of a new life, a permanent new home with our Risen Lord.
If you have to lose a loved one, like many who are being snatched away suddenly, you don't have to grieve without hope.
I remember an old pastor saying, after his wife of longstanding had died, "I haven't lost her, I know exactly where she is... and one day we'll be together again in Jesus".
As long as you are in Jesus, death has been conquered and you're on your way to a new start, a glorious eternal home.
So then, the vital onus is on us to bring as many on board Jesus, our "Life boat", as possible.
Drowning people are not fussy about who's offering a life belt, they'll take anything to stop them going under!
Therefore tell as many who will hear it! Get in the boat!
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