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Together with the Lord: 1 Thessalonians 4.13–18 (Day 291)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Reflect

Daily reflection: 1 Thessalonians 4

In this chapter Paul stresses the need for holy and quiet living that attracts the respect of those outside the Christian community. Towards the end, he begins to talk about what we call the Second Coming, an idea that Christians have argued over for many centuries. The teaching of Scripture appears to be that one day there will be an End; God's work with humanity will be accomplished. Beyond that, it's all a bit mysterious.

What's clear here, though, is that Paul expects Jesus to return very soon, and certainly within the lifetimes of some of his readers. But believers have already started dying, from persecution or just natural causes, so what about them? Don't worry, he says; the faithful who have died will rise, and believers will all be together with the Lord (verse 17). This is, of course, highly coloured language which we should be careful not to take too literally, but he's clearly telling his readers that no one who has died is lost, to their fellow believers or to God.

This is a wonderfully comforting doctrine. We all lose those we love, but these losses are not for ever, says Paul. Those who've died are still held in God's hands; whatever eternity looks like, they will be part of it. Pagan belief-systems often offered a shadowy afterlife at best, where sad ghosts half-remembered who they used to be. No, says Paul: 'And so we will always be with the Lord' (verse 17).

Pray

Pray

God, thank you for your eternal love, which holds me throughout my life and into eternity. Thank you for your promise that one day we shall be together with the Lord.


This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

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