But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 KJV
We all know how it feels when we are visiting with a relative or friend that lives out of town.
We enjoy each other’s company.
The time was well spent, we wish we could stay, but it’s time for us to leave, and we vow to see each other again soon.
But we all know that there will be a time when the path of separation from those we love, and care about can be difficult.
When the Apostle Paul was saying good-bye to the elders from Ephesus,
they cried and gave him hugs. But what caused them sadness was Paul telling them that they would never see his face again (Acts 20:37-38).
A deep sorrow is what we feel when we experience the death a friend or loved one.
The fact that we have to say goodbye for the last time in this life.
The separation is hard. We mourn. We weep.
Our faith in God does not mean we won’t have feelings of heartbreak. The feeling of never being able to embrace the ones we love again.
But our grieving should only last for a moment because we do not grieve like those who have no hope.
That is what Paul was saying when he said, “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 KJV).
Although we have not experienced death, we know the Word tells us, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Those who died, along with those who are still alive, will be united with our Lord and what a day of rejoicing that will be.
Overall, this passage is telling us not to sorrow about the death of godly relations and friends, but to remember there will be a glorious resurrection of us all at Christ’s second coming (vv. 13-18).
We will all be together with the Lord forever.
We are not saying “good-bye”, but “see you later.”
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, many of us, when we are about to leave from visiting with our friends and family, we part with a prayer. Praying for a safe journey and the blessing to be able to see one another again. The same holds true when a loved one or friend has passed away. We pray that their death has been one of a safe journey into Your arms. That at some point and time we will all gather in Your presence. A blessed reunion for all who have put their trust in You. Thank You Father. It is a comfort to know that You with us.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen