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 (1 Thess. 4:13-14).

God’s resurrection promises of loved ones’ security in heaven until our eternal reunion can provide profound comfort. My wife, Kathy, and I witnessed this vividly when visiting a grieving friend. 

Days before our visit, our friend’s daughter had been killed in a farming accident. The sweetness of the girl made the seeming senselessness of the tragedy all the more acute.

Still, with a deep faith in God’s ultimate care, the girl’s mother told us how she trusted God had already rescued her young daughter from the trials and temptations of an adult world. 

After the funeral, the family gathered for a meal. A neglected TV in the room aired a public service ad graphically warning of drug-infested streets. The ad caught the mother’s attention. She shook her finger at the screen, declaring, “But you can’t touch my baby. She’s with Jesus.” 

Despite her heartache over being separated from her daughter for a time, the mother was comforted that her child was safe in Jesus’ arms. She claimed the victory of grace that would reunite her with her child forever – a reunion that death itself could not deny.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the confidence I will be reunited with loved ones who are “asleep” in Christ and that we will be together for eternity with him.