All Saints' Day - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Death is usually the last thing we want to talk about; it makes us feel uncomfortable. And yet, we can't walk away from the reality of death.

In 4:14, Paul says we can have hope in our resurrection after death, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep [died] in Him [Jesus].” It's clear that those who have died believing in Jesus will return with Him.

Paul says we can be confident that Christ will come for us. “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (v 17) The return of Jesus Christ is sure. We'll be reunited with Him and with our loved ones, who believe, forever.

Paul teaches the Thessalonian believers about the hope surrounding their brothers and sisters who have died before Christ's return. He doesn't want them to grieve as people without hope.

Where is your hope? If it’s not in Jesus Christ, you're without hope. You may have happiness, but you don't have hope. There's no hope apart from Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ offers you eternal life as a free gift if you believe in Him and ask Him for it.

Paul tells us to share these words with each other. Encourage one another with the hope of our future resurrection and reunion with Christ and our loved ones.

May this hope be yours, today, on All Saints Day.

Read today's text on Biblegateway.