In last month’s column we looked at what happens to us after we die. I discussed some exciting truths about what heaven really is like. As unpredictable as only life can be, shortly after writing the article, my father in law, sadly passed away. I have personally felt the pain of losing someone so dear to your heart, and it has been really difficult. Even more difficult was watching my beautiful wife, suffering with real physical pain, after losing her father that she loved so much. Our only consolation was that we know He is with the Lord.
Today, I would like to encourage you with great news. If you are a Christian and if your loved one was a believer in Christ, you will see them again. The bible gives us a picture of what will happen at the second coming of Jesus and it really is glorious. The following scripture in the Word of God will encourage your heart. We have found great peace in this piece of scripture that Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (The Message)
13And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don’t want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word.
14Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus.
15And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master’s word on it—that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they’ll be ahead of us.
16The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God’s trumpet blast! He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first.
17Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master.
18Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.
You are reminded to keep in mind that Paul wants to encourage the church, not to grieve like the world, because you have an assurance, if you are a believer in Christ, that your loved one who died a believer will be the first one ready, waiting for you, with the Lord at His coming. I don’t know about you, but for me, this is so encouraging, and I have no doubt that this is how it will be in that day.
I know that pain of missing someone that you love. The pain is so real and so difficult but be encouraged that your loved one is waiting for you as you run your race here on earth and they are cheering you on in the cloud of witnesses. Before you know it, you will be joining them. I urge you today, don’t waste this amazing life God has given you. Have a blessed month! God be with you.
