September 09 2026

September 09 Wednesday

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Sorrow, But Not Without Hope

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we come to one of the most comforting passages in all the New Testament. Apparently, the Thessalonian believers had questions about Christians who had already died. They believed Jesus was coming again. Paul had taught them to expect His return. But some of their loved ones had died before Jesus returned. So naturally they wondered: “What happens to them? Will they miss the coming of Christ?” Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:13: “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.”

First, notice that Paul doesn't tell them not to sorrow. Christians grieve. When someone we love dies, it hurts. Death separates us from someone whose presence has been woven into our lives. Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus. So tears are not a sign that we lack faith. Grief is the price we pay for loving someone deeply. But Paul says there is a difference between Christian grief and the grief of those who have no hope. We sorrow—but not without hope.

Paul uses the beautiful expression “fallen asleep” to describe believers who have died. He isn't teaching that the soul becomes unconscious. Scripture teaches that the believer who is absent from the body is present with the Lord. Rather, sleep is a beautiful picture of what death means for the believer's body. When someone goes to sleep, we expect them to wake up. And when a Christian dies, their body is laid to rest with the expectation that resurrection morning is coming.

Then Paul tells us why we have hope. Verse 14 says: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” Our hope is rooted in two historical realities: Jesus died. And Jesus rose again. Notice that Paul says believers “sleep,” but when speaking of Jesus he says Jesus died. Jesus experienced death in all its terrible reality. He bore our sin. He endured death. He went into the grave. But on the third day, He came out victorious! And because Jesus lives, those who belong to Him will live also. Jesus said in John 14:19: “Because I live, you shall live also.” That is our hope. Our hope isn't wishful thinking. Our hope isn't simply that everything somehow works out after death. Our hope rests upon an empty tomb. Jesus Christ conquered death. And therefore death does not have the final word over anyone who belongs to Him.

Paul then says something wonderful: “God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” Think about those words: “Bring with Him.” When Jesus returns, He will not come alone. Those believers who have gone to be with the Lord are with Him. That means when a Christian loved one dies, we have not lost them forever. We have simply been separated for a little while. There is a reunion coming.

I have stood beside many graves through the years. As a pastor, I have watched families say goodbye to people they dearly loved. And one of the greatest privileges I have ever had is to remind grieving believers: This grave is not the end. Because Jesus died and rose again, resurrection is coming. Maybe today you are missing someone you love. Perhaps it has been many years, but there are still moments when the memories bring tears. Those tears are all right. Paul doesn't say, “Don't sorrow.” He says: Don't sorrow like people who have no hope.

For the believer, death means absent from the body and present with the Lord. And one day Jesus is coming again. The graves will open. The dead in Christ will rise. We will be reunited. And, as Paul will tell us in the verses that follow: “So shall we ever be with the Lord.” My friend, because Jesus lives, we have hope beyond the grave.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful hope we have because Jesus died and rose again. We pray today especially for those who are grieving and missing someone they love. Comfort their hearts and remind them that for those who are in Christ, death is not the end. Thank You that our loved ones who died in Christ are with You and that a wonderful reunion is coming. Help us to live each day with resurrection hope and with our eyes looking for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because He lives, we know that we shall live also. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!