Comforting Words

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Christians are not exempted from the trials and tribulations of this world. Sin has troubled every activity and every work in this life. It has messed up relationships and every social interaction. Sin has its final consequence in death. The Thessalonian Christians were deeply troubled by the demise of their loved ones, not knowing if they would see them again. God has words of comfort in every situation, what a blessed thought! God says,

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Isaiah 43:2

When we have needs in our lives,

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5

And in death, God says,

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Psalms 116:15

In the context of 1 Thessalonians, God gives us these promises and comforting words regarding His coming to save us from the wrath to come:

The Lord Himself shall descend
Christ will come personally for His people. When He wanted to give Daniel the answer to prayer, an angel was sent to Daniel. In telling Zacharias of the news of the birth of John the Baptist, an angel was sent. However, when He comes to receive His children, the Lord Jesus Himself will come and receive us unto Himself (John 14:3).

The dead in Christ shall rise first
Those who are dead and have trusted Christ will not be left behind but will be the first to be resurrected. Some may remember the deceased and some may still be grieving at the time of their deaths, but when the Lord comes for His own, the very close ones, our loved ones, will be the first to be brought to Heaven and be restored to incorruption and immortality.

Then we which are alive…shall be caught up
We, who still remain in this world, will then be caught away. Literally pulled by force our of this world of sin, suffering and woe into a world of light, righteousness, rest and eternal happiness. We will be taken away from the pain and difficulties of this life and placed on the platform of blessedness and peace.

So shall we ever be with the Lord
What a thought! Eternally we will be with Christ, our Saviour! Forever in the presence of Holiness and righteousness! Everlasting fellowship with the saints and those who have gone before. So shall we ever be with the Lord! Notice the four “shall”s – four promises!

Dear believer, are you going through the pain of life, and the sufferings of trials? God’s promises will never fail! We can depend on Him and His Word; what He says He will do! One day we shall forever be with the Lord! Therefore, let us comfort one another with these words!

Evangelist-Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church