Usually when Paul wrote a letter to one of the churches it was to instruct in theology or to correct a serious problem within the congregation. That was not the case in this letter to the Thessalonians. In fact, this letter was the result of the good news that Timothy brought Paul saying that the church was doing just fine. It still wasn’t easy to be a Christian in those days, however.
When Jews were converted, it very likely meant they lost their jobs or worse. Gentile Christians suffered under slavery. Taxation was high. It was very possible to be beaten or killed for the slightest infraction of the law. The members of the church at Thessalonica may not have needed details of theology or correction of problems, but they did need words of comfort. And so do we. Paul speaks to us today out of this text in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 providing these words of comfort.
Paul’s first thought was to remind his readers that death was not the end. He said something similar in 2 Corinthians 5:8. To all of us and other people this is always a valid point. Concern for their suffering and pain is likewise a valid point. By bringing up the subject of death as an extreme point of conversation, Paul wanted us to understand the difference between someone who is dead and someone who is dead in Christ. Those who might look at death as a terror can in faith consider it to be sleep as he illustrated to his disciples about Lazarus.
Whatever we’re going through in this life, we must always remember, we must remind ourselves, that Jesus will return (Acts 1:11). Even if the worse comes to worse and we find ourselves living in the territory of Satan, Jesus is still there for us. We may be in the devil’s territory, but more importantly we are in the presence of Jesus forever. Think of Jesus as our commander speaking to his troops as believers. Try to hear the voice of Christ as the Angels pass the word to all of creation for the power Jesus. Encourage yourself that with Christ we are always triumphant and have the opportunity to put that kind of victory in action.
Whatever we’re going through, heaven awaits us for the better, for a more wonderful and glorious life throughout all of eternity. In other words, what we experience here on earth is nothing because it will be worth it all (1 Corinthians 15:55-58). It is just a pause in history for wherever we find ourselves in the depths of sorrow and suffering. Because Jesus is in charge, whatever happens is through him and by his oversight. Perhaps the depth that we must experience will be necessary to realize what is the power of faith. Perhaps what we are experiencing is unpleasant today but may be necessary to prepare for our future that is always going to be much, much better.
If today you find yourselves in the depths of the valley, know this is temporary because life is temporary. Remind yourself that in Jesus we have words of comfort. Know that Jesus cares about whatever situation we find ourselves in. Apply to your thinking and your emotions the good news of Christ. Redirect your thoughts to the words of comfort that come from Scripture and the promises of Jesus.
Christian Writer 