by Pastor Rich Carlson

I believe the Bible is very clear on the things that really matter. Because of this, I am centering this devotional on two major Christian doctrines in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians: Christ’s resurrection and His second coming. Paul’s comment on these themes in 1 Thessalonians 4 is prefaced with two reasons they are important. First, Paul doesn’t want us to be ignorant about those who “fall asleep”—in other words, those who die. Second, he doesn’t want us to grieve as people who have no hope.

Christ has won the victory over death and the grave. Death, as long as the present world continues, is inevitable, and no matter how much we prepare, it’s hard to have to say goodbye. It seems so final.

Paul doesn’t say we won’t “fall asleep.” He says he wants us to understand the issue of falling asleep. He doesn’t say we won’t be sad when someone falls asleep, he says he wants us to have hope shining through the sadness. With that preamble, Paul states these very clear facts:

• We believe that Jesus died and rose again—that’s where our confidence comes from.
• We believe that God will take care of those who fall asleep, as He took care of Jesus when he fell asleep—that’s where our hope comes from.
• The living will not get to heaven before those who “fall asleep”—that’s where our assurance comes from.

Paul continues with the facts, explaining to us the sequence of how events will unfold:

• The Lord will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet call of God.
• The dead in Christ will rise first.
• After that, we who are still alive will be caught up with them in the clouds.
• We will all meet the Lord in the air.
• We will then be with the Lord forever.

“Therefore,” writes Paul, “encourage each other with these words.”

The order and the certainty of how God plans to deal with death as we know it and eternal life as we believe it, are meant for the encouragement of all. If my role as a Christian is to be encouraging, supporting, loving, and caring, then it seems clear I should confirm in my head and in my heart the certainty of these events to which we can look forward so eagerly.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.