Paul wrote to
the Thessalonian church members concerning the “harpazo” or
“snatching away” of those who believe in Jesus Christ as their
Lord and Savior. Those who are “asleep” in Jesus will not
be prevented by those who are “alive and remain”, but will
be preceded by them when the Lord descends “with a shout, with
the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God”. The
Thessalonians were greatly concerned about those who had died before
Jesus returned, and in chapter four and verse eighteen of his letter,
Paul told them to use his words to “comfort one another”.
We read:
Wherefore
comfort one another with these words.
The
verse begins, “Wherefore comfort one another...” Paul
began with the word, “Wherefore” which is a conclusion
word meaning “so that, insomuch that and therefore” “comfort”
or “call to one's side, call for, summon, address, speak to in the
way of exhortation, entreaty and instruction” “one another”
which refers to “each and every one of them reciprocally and
mutually”. Every one of the Thessalonian church members was
exhorted to speak to each other by way of entreaty and instruction
which would result in “comfort” during their times of
“sorrow”.
The
verse continues, “... with these words.” Paul went on to
add, “with” or “in, by and in relation to” “these
words” which refers to “the utterance, decree, mandate and
order of what Paul has just shared”. By reminding one another of
God bringing back those who had died as well as those “who are
alive and remain” being “caught up” to“meet Him
in the air”, comforting hope will flourish within them, and
they will be reminded, their loved ones shall be seen again.
As
we consider these words of Paul, we should remember he began this
section with the words, “I would not have you ignorant,
brethren, concerning them which are asleep”.
Paul knew many of the church members were troubled over what would
happen to their loved ones because they died before the promised
return of the Lord. The Thessalonians needed “comfort”
in their “sorrow”,
and many of us who have experienced the death of those dear to us are
in need of “comfort”
as well. The Holy Spirt knew “sorrow” was
going to be a part of our existence and particularly the “sorrow”
that is associated with the death of one who is close to us. However,
we are not to “sorrow even as others which have no hope”
because we have the promise that not only will Jesus return to
receive His believers, but will also bring with Him those who have
gone before. These are comforting words, and those who meditate upon
them will experience not only relief from sorrow, but also great hope
in that which lies ahead – Praise the Lord! We shall see them
again!
Next
time we begin the last chapter of this letter and see Paul write
concerning the “times and seasons”,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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