“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 HCSB).

WE GRIEVE BUT NOT WITHOUT HOPE

The apostle Paul described believers who had died as having “fallen asleep” in Jesus. For them death is like sleep, a transitional state where one closes his eyes in this world and opens them in the next. Having given the Thessalonians this description, Paul encouraged them not to “grieve like the rest, who have no hope.” Let the tears fall down your face, but not without believing in your heart that the same Jesus who died and rose again will return with those who sleep in Him.

Faith in the resurrected Christ gives us hope that overcomes the sorrow of death. For death is not the end. It is merely like sleep before awakening to the dawn of a new day.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we grieve, but not without hope. For we have the sure hope of reunion one day with those who have gone to sleep in Christ Jesus. Until then, we do not cling to the past, but move with the strength You supply towards the future You have for us. Fill us afresh with the wisdom and grace we need for this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.