Sorrowing Not as the World

1 Thessalonians 4:13 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.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 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:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The death of someone is a sorrowful event, but much more so for those who do not know God (the lost). Believers, on the other hand, understand that the separation of death is only temporary. For this reason, believers should find much hope after losing a loved one who knew the Lord. This loss serves as another reminder to look forward to the joys of heaven awaiting God’s people. The scenario is much different for the lost. When a lost person loses a loved one, there is no reason for hope. Yet, God offers hope! If the departed loved one was saved, the hope for a reunion is both real and anticipated; however, if the loved one was never saved, hell will not be a place for any joyous reunions. It is terrible to witness others lose loved ones to death without the wonderful hope offered by God to His children.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Read Proverbs 14:32b. Martha knew of that hope when her brother Lazarus died (John 11:23-27). The Pauline epistles also describe the hope that every Christian has (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 57).

(For everyone):Why do believers have hope in the loss of a saved friend or family member? Where do the deceased go when they die? How do their circumstances compare with those that are left behind?

(For everyone):Have you ever been to a funeral for someone who did not know the Lord? Have you ever witnessed lost people as they mourn the passing of a loved one? Did it make you thankful for the hope that God has promised to His children?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Thank God for the hope He has given to us in death.

Ask God to help you witness to the lost concerning death.

SONG

My Times of Sorrow and of Joy

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