We all know bereavement eventually. When it comes it is traumatic, shocking, physically altering our very compass of life. It leaves us with questions maybe even years later like the ones in the title.
Paul writes, “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. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ” (1 Thessalonians 4 v 13-14)
The Thessalonians seem to have had teaching from Paul regarding the Second Coming of Christ and they have questions. One being what about those who have passed away?
- Grieve but not without hope. If Jesus wept at the graveside of Lazarus then it is expected that we too will weep at the loss of our loved one. But we do so in the place that Christ’s resurrection has over death. It is not hopeless grief..
- Death is temporary. They did not enter a place of unconscious state, or some limbo, far from it. Paul describes death as sleep to show that it is temporary, it is like the body is resting, but then comes the waking, the resurrection.
- The Christian dead will come again. They will come with Jesus. Can you now begin to imagine the glorious scene of not only the return of Jesus Christ but the return of your Christian loved one?
So in answer to the 2 questions:
- They are getting ready to return with Christ. You will see them again!
- Very much so!!
Missions Paul 