Tag: asleep
Resurrection world view
Scripture reading for September 17: 1 Thessalonians 4
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a Word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
Most of the world looks at death as a finality. Jews and Christians believe in a resurrection, final judgment, and afterlife. Hinduism teaches reincarnation based on how we live now. Muslims believe that if they please their god, he will give them seventy virgins to spend eternity with. Those serving various gods and idols devise theories about what life after death might be like if they meet the religious criteria. Atheists feel that death is final and everyone should live as they will.
Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, sought to give them a clear understanding of what happens to believers who have died. In another place, Paul stated that believers soul and spirit go immediately into the Lord’s presence awaiting the resurrection of their bodies at Christ’s return. (Philippians 1:21-23) He likened the current state of their body to sleep. Jesus died and His body was buried in a tomb. God raised Him from death on the third day. Jesus gave Paul this Word to share concerning those believers who died and His return again to receive believers. There would be a loud shout from Heaven and the sound of a trumpet awakening those asleep and those waiting alike to Jesus’ glorious return. Those whose bodies were ‘asleep’ in death would rise first. Then those waiting in faith would also be ‘caught up’ to meet the Lord in the air together with those asleep. All believers would always be with the Lord! This Word of Truth was to be encouraging to all believers for all time!
Have you ever wondered about what happens to believers at death? Have you used this passage to develop your own world view of death and resurrection? Will you use this passage of God’s Word to encourage others?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for expanding my world view into eternal life with Jesus Christ. I await with great hope the loud shout of an archangel and the trumpet call from heaven calling me to meet Jesus in the air, whether awake or asleep! Amen!
“Stay Awake”
Scripture reading for February 26: Mark 13
“”But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the door-keeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning–lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Mark 13:32-37
Everyone likes to know the future if possible. For example, if we knew what was going to happen in the stock market tomorrow, we could invest and make a fortune. If we knew what numbers were going to be called in the mega-lottery jackpot, we could cash in big time. If we knew when our time on earth was up, we could make the changes and preparations for those left behind and for our future. But the Scripture and very words of Jesus do tell us about what is coming in the future and how to prepare and cash in!
Jesus answered His disciples question of “when will these things take place?”. He told them plainly that no one knew that answer except God the Father. That was followed with a warning, “Keep awake.” He told them it was like a master leaving on a journey and putting servants in charge of his work and property telling them “Stay awake.” They would not know the time of his return. He would likely come suddenly at a time when they were not expecting. Woe if the master found his servants asleep! Jesus then applied these illustrations to all: “Stay awake.”
Have you seriously considered the message that Jesus is sharing with His disciples and us today? How would you evaluate your readiness for the time of Jesus’ return? Would Jesus be pleased with your work as His steward with your talents and property?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this stimulating teaching concerning the time of Jesus’ return. I don’t want to be found sleeping instead of caring for Your property and Your mission to save lost people. Continue to use me to call out to those asleep or dozing. May all be ready and watching! Amen.
The resurrection and the life!
Scripture reading for November 5th: John 11
Key Scriptures: John 11:11-16 “After saying these things, He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” The disciples said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought He meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.””
Jesus was friends with Lazarus and his sister, Mary and Martha. He often stayed at their home in Bethany, just over the Mt. of Olives. When Jesus was there recently, the Jewish leaders had tried to stone Him, but he escaped. A message was sent to Jesus that Lazarus was ill, but Jesus waited to go to him. Jesus knew that Lazarus’ sickness would not ultimately lead to death, but that God would be glorified through his miraculous escape from death. When Jesus did decide to go, Thomas expressed the lack of faith that most probably felt: “Let us go and die with Him.” They were about to be schooled on the glory of God found in Jesus Christ, their Lord. Death is likened by Jesus to sleep and resurrection to an awakening for those who believe!
John 11:21-23 “Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.””
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, thank You for this amazing account of the raising of Lazarus from death and this display of God’s glory. You give me hope and vision of Your future kingdom and the truth of the promise of resurrection and eternal life. Open doors today to share this amazing hope and message of life eternal.
John 11:24-25 “Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, Who is coming into the world.””