Eternal and encouraging hope

READ: Jeremiah 27,28; Psalms 109; 1 Thessalonians 4

SCRIPTURE:  1 Thessalonians 4: 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

OBSERVATION:  1 Thes.4:13-18 is one of the oft-quoted passages of the bible. During funerals and when people talk about the second coming of Christ, people refer to it. People’s belief concerning the afterlife varies depending on their religion. The first-century tomb inscriptions and literature show that pagan people saw death with fear as the end of everything. So they, including Jews, engaged in “cathartic grief rituals” while grieving for a person’s death. Here, Paul does not try to instill an empty hope. He reminds the believers about the Christian hope that we all have about eternity.

Verse 14 reminds us that we have resurrection hope. In verse 16, we read about the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus himself promised about his second coming (Mt.24:27, 31; Jn.14:1-3, 18, 28). Verse 17 tells us about the rapture and our reunion with Christ. So we are not without hope. In Titus 2:13, Paul says Christ’s return is the “blessed hope” for us. Christ Jesus is our hope. By reminding our hope in Christ, Paul tells the Thessalonian believers to encourage one another. Here, Paul does not say anything against grieving for the loss of our dear ones. His point is, if we know the hope we have in Christ, we will not grieve like those who have no hope. Speaking about Jesus’ second coming, some Christians interpret it will be secret. However, “loud voice” and “trumpet call” allude to the open and public coming of Christ. The Bible says, “When Christ, who is your(our) life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory”  (Col.3:4). The important question we should ask ourselves is, are we ready for the Lord Jesus’ coming?

APPLICATION:  As a Christian, my life does not end with death. Jesus Christ gives me the hope for eternal life. I should not live or grieve like those who have no hope. Instead, I should encourage one another to prepare themselves for the coming of the Lord Jesus. My life on earth is an opportunity to prepare myself to meet my God and live with him in eternity.

PRAYER:  Father God, thank you for the hope you give me through your Son Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, help me to live holy and give me your strength to encourage others about the eternal hope and prepare myself for your coming. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day - 291