Topic: A Different Kind Of Grief [Saturday May 19, 2018]
Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV)
Key Verse: “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” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
MESSAGE:
Death causes so much grief to all humans. A lot of people grieve because of the pain the loss of such a love one causes. The fact that such a person is taken away from them and that there will not be the opportunity to continue the close fellowship and interaction they used to enjoy can truly cause enormous sorrow. For some, it is because of the things they will miss from the departed one; the duties and responsibilities such a one should have performed for them – like a father in the family. While for others, it is because of the fear of the fate of the deceased.
Christians grieve too when loved ones departs. This is normal because they are humans. But they do so in a different way. They do not grieve for the same reasons as the people in the world who do not have hope.
Death is not the end for Christians. It does not separate them from God nor hinder them from the privileges of Christians. Rather, death brings the believer into a better state of fellowship, communion and pleasure with God. The believers who die in Christ will rise again. Paul’s confidence about the destiny of believers is not based on speculation, wishful thinking or a philosophical school of thought. It is based on historical facts, a sure and solid foundation of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Just as He rose from the dead, so will believers.
This should cheer up Christians. We must not continue to live and act in ignorance. If you have lost a dear one in Christ, know it is a temporal separation. It is not over yet. Those of us still alive should be concerned with remaining steadfast in Christ and maintaining our salvation through prayer, watchfulness and daily victorious living. If we so do, then there is the hope of a happy reunion.
Thought For The Day: The fate of the Christian is different, even in death!
Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Samuel 19-21
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
 Key Verse: “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” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).){kind=link}