Our flight had been airborne about
15 minutes when the pilot announced
that the aircraft had a serious
problem the crew was trying to
analyze. A few minutes later, he
announced that it was a vibration
and that we would have to return to
the airport. Then the flight
attendants made a series of
step-by-step announcements
explaining what was going on and
what would happen once we were on
the ground. In an event that could
have been terrifying, the fears of
the passengers were relieved because
we were given the right information.
In the first century, a group of
believers in Thessalonica were
afraid that their believing loved
ones who had died were gone forever
and would miss out on the second
coming of Christ. For that reason,
Paul wrote, “I do not want you to be
ignorant, brethren, concerning those
who have fallen asleep, lest you
sorrow as others who have no hope”
(1 Thess. 4:13). Paul’s words of
comfort were intended to soften
their fears by giving them the right
information, which made all the
difference in the world. While
grieving their loss, they could
still have hope of a coming reunion
with those who were in Christ.
In seasons of loss, we too can
find comfort and hope because the
Bible has given us the right
information. —
Bill Crowder
He’s coming back! The dead
shall rise,
Caught up to meet Him in the skies.
Upon that hope my soul relies;
He’s coming back! —Sherbert
Death is not a period—it’s only
a comma