The Comfort Before His Coming
There’s a reason why 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is often read at funeral homes, memorial services, and the graveside. These words are meant to comfort.
The Apostle Paul wants to take the church from “uninformed” to “comforted.” There were some in the church who had fallen asleep. That is a sensitive reference to death, like the way we say someone has passed away. And Paul guides the church through the grief they feel over the loss of their loved ones.
His goal is not to keep them from grieving. Grief is the proper response to loss. His goal is to comfort them so that they do not grieve as those who have no hope.
Sadness and Confusion Are Normal
People experience sadness and confusion when they lose a loved one. This is a normal part of the human experience.
Death is certain. And with it come emotions and questions.
We feel sadness over the loss of someone we care about. We reflect on the sweet memories of the life we shared with that person, but those memories are followed by the reality that we will not make any more memories with them in this life.
There is also confusion.
What will life be like now that they are gone? Who will fill the void they have left behind?
Sometimes a scent, a sound, a handwritten letter, or an article of clothing brings back a memory. For a moment, it feels like that person is close again.
It is normal to experience sadness and confusion when we lose someone we love.
God Wants His People to Be Comforted
God wants His people to be comforted when they lose a loved one.
Paul does not tell the church that it is wrong to grieve. He gives them the truth they need so their grief will not be void of hope.
And that hope begins with the most important truth for the Christian: we believe that Jesus died and rose again.
Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, died on the cross and was raised from the dead. His resurrection proved that he has power over death.
Through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died in Christ.
That is good news filled with comforting words.
We do not believe everyone automatically goes to be with Jesus when they die. We believe that those who put their trust in Jesus and his power over death will be with him.
Because Jesus died and rose again, death does not get the last word.
Jesus Is Coming Back
There is more comfort available to us.
There is comfort to be found in the truth that the Lord Jesus is coming back.
The Christians in Thessalonica were concerned that those who had died might miss the glorious return of Christ. Paul comforts them by explaining that those who have died will not miss what is to come.
Jesus himself will return.
The Lord himself will descend from heaven. He will return personally.
His coming will not be hidden. There will be a cry of command, the voice of an archangel, and the sound of the trumpet of God. He will return obviously.
And the dead in Christ will rise. Those believers who are alive will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord. He will return victoriously.
Death is the conquered foe.
Jesus will raise the dead to life. Those who have died in Christ will be raised, and those who are living in Christ will be gathered together with them.
And Paul gives us the truth that brings all of this comfort together:
We will always be with the Lord.
Comfort One Another With These Words
You do not have to know all there is to know about the end times to find comfort in the return of Christ.
Jesus died and rose again. Find comfort in that truth.
Jesus will raise the dead to life when he returns. Find comfort in that truth.
Jesus himself will descend from heaven. Find comfort in that truth.
Jesus is coming back personally, obviously, and victoriously.
And when he comes again, those who are in Christ will always be with the Lord.
So when death brings sadness and confusion, grieve. Remember the person you love. Feel the loss.
But do not grieve without hope.
Jesus died. Jesus rose again. Jesus is coming back.
Therefore, comfort one another with these words.
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