19 November | EVERYONE
«For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.» 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Why are so many people hopeless when a loved one dies? The culture that surrounds us inevitably affects our convictions. This influence often precludes the prospect of resurrection. Rather, it sees death as eternal extinction. Among believers, the prevailing belief is that the soul does not die (often understood as excluding a final resurrection). But there are also large sectors of society that contemplate the matter in a very vague and blurred way, not knowing what to expect, and as if the fact of dying gave way, for the most part, to the most absolute mystery.
These ideas about death dominate the most diverse spheres, be they popular culture or even the most intellectual sectors. It is also common to believe in reincarnation and other lives. It is not common to hear that when man dies, the body will go to the ground and the breath of life will return to God until resurrection day.
In the days of the Thessalonians there was also much uncertainty about what happened to a person after death. But Paul is adamant that the dead sleep and will rise again when Jesus returns. And in today’s verse he refers to the return to life of those who die in God.
The resurrection is a sure fact for the apostle. This is especially important. There is no need to be afraid of death. It is a temporary, transient state, similar to a dream from which we will awaken when Jesus returns. Paul ends by saying, “Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18). This biblical promise should encourage those of us who are still alive, and remind us of the need to keep our hope.
Take Action
Live in Jesus and do not be frightened by death, for at the sound of the trumpet you will surely rise again together with the redeemed of all times who are already resting. Sing “Always Be with the Lord” (if possible, with your family).