And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
As we look forward to Resurrection Sunday, we rejoice that Jesus has overcome death and is risen. It is a joyous celebration because those who believe will also be raised.
Paul wrote Thessalonians to a suffering church and a dominant theme is Christ’s return. In his encouragement he reminds them their recently departed brethren will be raised and return with Jesus. They will see them again! We also have experienced suffering and loss and can be reassured of seeing our loved ones in the Lord once again.
That is good news and a hope we can hang on to today. Yet notably, it doesn’t say don’t grieve. It says we do not need to grieve without hope. Lament. Be sad - but cling to the hope of the resurrection. Hold on to Jesus. Jesus wept at the loss of His friend Lazarus, even as He prepared to bring him back from death. While we wait, we can mourn, but we do so for our temporary condition. We grieve WITH hope, with assurance, of a resurrection and a reuniting with Jesus and the saints that have gone before us.
Christ our Lord is risen! He is risen, indeed. Our hope, our joy, is found in Him. And a joyous reunion awaits.
