“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
Paul, speaking to the Thessalonians, penned those words (1 Thessalonians 4:18) just after giving an explanation of the second coming advent.
Christian theology and hope are founded upon the fact that Christ, the Savior, rose from the grave and is one day coming back to gather the faithful to Himself (Matthew. 28:6-9; John 14:1-6; Acts 1:11).
Death Brings Sorrow.
Many times, men’s lives are filled with sorrow and pain. People bury those who are dear to them. Afterward, they are left to pick up the pieces of life and are forced to learn how to live without them.
Paul would state prior to the opening passage of this article, that “we do not sorrow as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians. 4: 13).
Our Hope in Christ.
The faithful have a hope that cannot be realized outside of Christ (Hebrews 6: 10-20). Every loved one who passed from death to life (John. 5:24; 1 John 3: 14-16) will be present in Paradise and blissfully await, “Well done thou good and faithful servant enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew. 25:21).
Relative to those who will be alive at the second advent, Paul did not want the brethren ignorant over the matter. Those who are alive will not have an advantage point over those who have already left this world (1 Thessalonians. 4: 15).
Paul explains that the dead in Christ will rise at the command of the Commander (1 Thessalonians. 4:16) and the ones who are living will be caught up with them in the air to ever be with the Lord. Think of that Grand Reunion.
It is this principle and truth that feeds the soul of the weary to continue in battle, always abounding and never retreating (1 Corinthians. 15:58; Ephesians 6: 13-18).
A Grand Reunion Around God’s Throne.
It is this very thought of such grandeur that has sprung praises from our lips. We sing, “What a Gathering of the Faithful That Will Be.” We sing, “Meet Me There,” which describes a place where the faithful part no more.
Think of that Grand Reunion, where death is finally destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26). This reunion will take place in a land of fadeless day. It is in a land of “love divine,” as sung in that old hymn, “Beulah Land.” People will be reunited with their loved ones who have gone on before, and have the privilege to meet so many heroes they have only dreamt of meeting.
This Grand Reunion will take place before the throne of God, as they serve Him day and night in His temple (Revelation 7:15). What a Grand Reunion that will be, when the living join forces with the redeemed of all ages to be united with the Father, His Son, and His Spirit.
Prepare For That Grand Reunion.
Think of that Grand Reunion. Make preparations now to “meet me there.”
It is possible only to use the imagery God has given in His word to fathom what heaven will be like. This writer does not know everything about it and neither do you. All that is known is that no one who knows anything about heaven wants to miss it.
“Often, I’m hindered on my way, burdened so heavy I almost fall. Then I hear Jesus sweetly say, “Heaven will surely be worth it all.”
Just think of that Grand Reunion, won’t you meet me there?
If you need help studying and learning how you can be part of that Grand Reunion, reach out below.
God bless you.
The article was originally published here.
Robby Eversole preaches for the Eastside Church of Christ in Morganton, Georgia. Robby graduated in 2021 from the Tri-Cities School of Preaching and Christian Development. He does an excellent job writing blog posts on the church’s website, which you can read here.
Some of his sermons are posted on the Eastside Church of Christ’s YouTube channel - I invite you to hear some of his preaching of God’s Word.
I'll be at that grand reunion!