1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God… Comfort means help as well as consolation. When the Saviour was anointed to comfort all that mourn, it was not to speak words of kindness only, but to reach forth the hand of beneficence so that sorrow might not only be soothed but turned into joy. This also is the office of the Paraclete; and Christianity calls us to be fulfillers of the law of Christ by bearing one another's burdens. Whilst we mourn the departure of Christian friends, let us remember — I. THAT DEATH IS NO STRANGE THING. "It is appointed unto men once to die." Were death of rare occurrence, if some only were singled out by the arrows of the last enemy, then our sorrow might admit of no mitigation, but it is not so; Flesh and blood cannot enter the kingdom of God. II. THAT DEATH IS THE LORD'S MESSENGER SUMMONING THE SAINTS TO HIS PRESENCE. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." It may be difficult to see the hand of God in the departure of those we love. Our selfish hearts would have prolonged their stay, forgetting that death is gain to them. III. THAT DEATH TERMINATES THE TOIL AND WARFARE OF THIS LIFE. Whilst they were in this tabernacle they groaned, being burdened; now the burden is lifted and they have entered into rest. Here they fought the good fight of faith; there they are crowned as conquerors. Here they suffered; there they enter into the joy of their Lord. IV. THAT DEATH IS THE BEGINNING OF PERFECTION. The best and happiest of saints were here imperfect; now they are "the spirits of just men made perfect" in holiness and happiness; for they are like Christ, because they see Him as He is. V. THAT DEATH IS A REVIVAL OF SACRED FRIENDSHIPS, AND AN INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CHURCH OF THE FIRST BORN. Most of us as we look into the heavenly world can recognize a sacred kindred there. When you pass away it will be to meet with old associates, and the whole company of the redeemed. Compared with such fellowship as this, what can earth offer? VI. THAT DEATH WILL BE A SEASON OF REUNION FOR US. They have only gone before, a little in advance. The great gulf will be crossed at the Master's call, and our communion recommence, never to be disturbed again. VII. THAT EVERY DEATH IS PART OF THAT PROCESS WHICH WILL ISSUE IN THE DISPENSATION OF THE FULNESS OF TIMES. Heaven is enriched by the departure of every saint. (R. W. Betts.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: |
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