But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Prayer
Father God, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit, obviously my forefathers in Christ knew and understood the hope of your resurrection and the hope of their own resurrection much more deeply than I know it. I pray, almighty God, that you will pour into me and into our small band of Christ followers the knowledge, wisdom and hope of this resurrection. Renew in us a longing for your coming to claim that which is yours. May we live lives from this point forward that will perfect your calling in us and prepare us for your day of glory. Amen.
