Reading: I Thessalonians 3,4
My Verse: "Now also we would not have you ignorant, brethren, about those who fall asleep [in death], that you many not grieve [for them] as the rest do who have no hope [beyond the grave]" (4:13).
Just the other day I had this strong need to call and talk to my Mom. It was something I needed to share with her and her alone. I felt a deep sadness when I realized I could not. But then surprisingly I found myself smiling because I suddenly felt her smiling at me - it was such a poignant moment!
Yes, this verse is a most wonderful assurance. Death is such an awful thing. Paul is not telling us here that we should not grieve - for there is sorrow and we do feel great loss when our loved ones die. No, we grieve but not as those who see death as the end. We, believers have such a wonderful hope.
"For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him through Jesus those who have fallen asleep [in death]" (4:14).
Thank You, Lord for this wonderful promise and assurance.
Death was not what You planned for us. But because of sin it became a necessary part of our flawed life here on earth. Jesus, You did the unthinkable. You came to earth and conquered even death by dying, then rose from that death in grand victory. We still have to go through death - and that is a scary and dreaded event for us all. But as believers we know what lies beyond. We can mourn our loved ones passing but only as a temporary separation, for we know they are in Your glorious presence! We can face death with courage and hope for we know where we are going.
"Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).
"Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord" (Psalm 27:14).
Yes, I miss Mom, sometimes very much. But she is with You, Lord. Thank You, for that smile of hers.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
My Verse: "Now also we would not have you ignorant, brethren, about those who fall asleep [in death], that you many not grieve [for them] as the rest do who have no hope [beyond the grave]" (4:13).
Just the other day I had this strong need to call and talk to my Mom. It was something I needed to share with her and her alone. I felt a deep sadness when I realized I could not. But then surprisingly I found myself smiling because I suddenly felt her smiling at me - it was such a poignant moment!
Yes, this verse is a most wonderful assurance. Death is such an awful thing. Paul is not telling us here that we should not grieve - for there is sorrow and we do feel great loss when our loved ones die. No, we grieve but not as those who see death as the end. We, believers have such a wonderful hope.
"For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him through Jesus those who have fallen asleep [in death]" (4:14).
Thank You, Lord for this wonderful promise and assurance.
Death was not what You planned for us. But because of sin it became a necessary part of our flawed life here on earth. Jesus, You did the unthinkable. You came to earth and conquered even death by dying, then rose from that death in grand victory. We still have to go through death - and that is a scary and dreaded event for us all. But as believers we know what lies beyond. We can mourn our loved ones passing but only as a temporary separation, for we know they are in Your glorious presence! We can face death with courage and hope for we know where we are going.
"Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).
"Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord" (Psalm 27:14).
Yes, I miss Mom, sometimes very much. But she is with You, Lord. Thank You, for that smile of hers.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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