Written by Carol Blase

First and Second Thessalonians may have been the first letters the Apostle Paul wrote. He sent these encouraging letters to the believers in Thessalonica (northern Greece), after hearing from his young friend, Timothy, about their continued faithfulness and love in Jesus, despite troubles they were encountering.
The Thessalonians believed that Jesus was coming soon (literally tomorrow!). Because of this, some worried about fellow believers who had already died. Read I Thess. 4:13-18: “13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
Paul reassures these Christians that everyone who has died in faith will be raised again when Jesus comes. The picture he paints shows us the complete control and supremacy Christ has over our old enemy, death. As we are on the eve of another Good Friday and Easter, we can truly know that Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplished everything for us. We need not fear God’s anger, Satan, or the grave, as Jesus is Lord of all!
But Paul doesn’t stop there. He instructs the Thessalonians (and us!) to encourage each other with these resurrection words, and then to be about the “imminent” business of a life that pleases God. (See I Thess. 4:3-12) People will notice these lives and ask us what we are all about. What a wonderful opportunity this will be to share Jesus!

What Biblical truths does God show me in these verses: Christ has conquered Satan and death in his death and resurrection. He will take all believers to be with Him in heaven.

How can I apply this truth to my life: As Paul has encouraged us, live lives worthy of Christ. Be busy in His kingdom work until He returns!