1 Thessalonians 4:13-15

1 Thes. 4:13-15 (ESV) "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep."

In this section, Paul talks about the coming of the Lord. He means to bring hope to these believers who were lamenting that their fellow believers who had died or would die before the return of Jesus Christ, would not see the kingdom of God. 

When I read this, I feel like Paul is helping them see past earthly barrier. He is helping them think in the context of the whole kingdom of God, which is here and now as well as yet to come. This new life in Christ has no limits and no earthly bounds. This relationship with Jesus will continue even after death. That same power which raised Jesus from the grave will keep us and raise us up at his return. 

I like Paul's method of reminding them of something they already know and have experienced. It's always more effective to help someone learn truth based on truth they have already learned and applied to their life. Paul reminds them of their belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Will this same God not bring those who believe into his kingdom to come? 

It is through the work of Jesus that this is possible. All things done through Jesus will never be lost. This is one of the most powerful realities in all of creation and beyond. Think about this...when I yield a choice to the control of Jesus, when I give that moment to him by demonstrating love toward others or expressing true kindness to someone, I am committing those moments of my life to his care. Nothing done through Jesus will be lost. What a wonderful truth!

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