OUR GLORIOUS CONFIDENCE

 

“And so we will always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

All of us live different and particular lives. We are born and live and die in different places and various circumstances. Some live seemingly easier lives; others survive great difficulties.

FOLLOWERS

But the followers of Christ, those who have genuinely come to know and love the Lord, have one great constant. It is our north star. What we are positive and passionate about for the future. Where we are headed without question.

The Bible reminds us that some believers will die before the Lord’s return; some will be alive when he comes. But notice our great assurance about our final destination.

Then we who are still 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. Therefore, encourage one another with these words. (1 Th 4:17–18)

MY CHILDHOOD FRIEND

A precious friend of mine died recently. We knew each other from the fourth grade and were very close. We traveled through the same schools our whole lives, even through college. I introduced her to her husband and my wife and I loved her family, including her three grown children. We had the great privilege of living for ten years by her parents and they became second grandparents to my kids.

Linda was one of the most consistently gracious and kind people I’ve ever known. I never saw an ounce of malice in her. She was like Nathaniel who Jesus said had “no guile.” 

She lived with some overwhelming grief for the last two years, for two of her children had died unexpectedly. She herself had been very sick for many years, but, by the grace of God, this earthly journey with all its difficulties for her, has now finished. She slipped into heaven just a few days ago.

OUR BLESSED HOPE

Here is the precious truth and our glorious hope. She will now “always be with the Lord.” She awakened a few nights ago in the literal presence of God. Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Today, you will be with Me in paradise,” and He still reminds every believer of this truth. And we will “always be” with Him. No separation. No interruption from His presence. No more of this present darkness that clouds our vision of Him.

She has no more pain or sorrow. No anxiety or grief. No tears. No lying in bed wondering what the future will hold. No more grief over the losses of this life. She is at rest in Christ, and she will always be.

This is why, at such a time, Paul says we “will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13). His presence is our sure confidence for the future ... and what a future it is.

I mourn the earthly loss of our dear friend. And we grieve and pray for her remaining family. But their grief, as believers, is not like those who have no hope. The best day of my dear friend’s life, and of any believer’s life, is our last, and then we will “always be with the Lord.”