Frank Bibb
"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. "
As is frequently the case in Paul's letters, he is trying to correct some misunderstanding under which the recipients are laboring. There is no clear statement as to exactly what this misunderstanding is. However, it is evident from subsequent verses, where Paul describes the resurrection at Christ's second coming in some detail, that the Thessalonians feared that those who had died would not share Christ's saving grace in the same manner as those who are alive at His return. Indeed, it is possible that they doubted the resurrection of the body altogether. Paul had to address this doubt at other times and places as shown in his statement in 1 Corinthians 15:12 "Now if we preach that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, how can some of you keep claiming there is no resurrection of the dead?" You can understand how the Thessalonians might doubt the resurrection since it was a radical idea not common to their Greek culture. We, on the other hand, have the benefit of a long and rich heritage, inspired by Paul's teachings to bolster our faith in the resurrection. This faith can comfort us as we suffer the loss of loved ones and as we contemplate our own death. It also gives us the courage to face life's trials knowing that whatever may befall us, we can look forward to a glorious future communing with our Lord.
Prayer: Lord I praise you and thank you for the gift of resurrection you gave us through the sacrifice of your Son. It is a gift of unimaginable worth not only in the future when it occurs, but also in the present where the sure and certain knowledge of it can provide peace in times of grief and hope in times of trial. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.
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