We all experience difficult times in life, and the church in Thessalonica was no different. Some of their loved ones had died in Christ and they needed a word of comfort to encourage them. The word comfort (parakaleō) is a present tense imperative that means they were to continue applying Paul’s words every day not just once. Many believers throughout history have found comfort in Paul’s words just as the Thessalonians did.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul provides a detailed description of the event that is called the rapture. He did not want the believers to be uninformed like those without hope. Instead, Paul gives them a word from the Lord that one day Jesus would return, resurrect those who died in Christ, and that we would all be together with Him forever. The fact that the Lord promised to do this was assurance that it would happen.
“Many ills of life can be healed only by the Lord’s return. We all have loved ones on the other side. And the many problems of this life - incurable diseases, pain, sorrow, and difficulties of all kinds - will be made all right. We can face the trials and challenges of life because God has given us this blessed hope of the Lord’s return.”[1]
We all experience difficulties in life, but the Lord has given us a word of comfort. One day, the Lord will return and begin to make all things right. The promise is given to those who “believe that Jesus died and rose again.” My prayer is that this promise is for you because you too have believed in Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] John Walvoord. 1& 2 Thessalonians Commentary, pg. 82.