In early 2012, James McConnell passed away at a nursing home in Southsea, Hampshire, in England. Mr. McConnell, a veteran of the UK’s Royal Marines, was 70 years old. Unfortunately, he had no family, and when the medical staff told Rev. Bob Mason that they feared no one would show up for the funeral, Mason sent the following note to the Royal Marines Association:
Ladies and Gentlemen, In this day and age it is tragic enough that anyone has to leave this world with no one to mourn their passing, but this man was family and I am sure you will agree [he] deserves a better send off. If you can make it to the graveside . . . to pay your respects to a former brother in arms, then please try to be there.
Mason was shocked when 200 people showed up for McConnell’s funeral.
While it’s true that no one should be buried without mourners to acknowledge the grief, the truth is that believers in Jesus have hope beyond physical death. “For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again,” said the apostle Paul, “we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). To make certain that his point was perfectly clear, Paul made a second pass: “We tell you this directly from the Lord . . . the Christians who have died will rise from their graves” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16).
Death, though it’s certainly something to grieve, is absolutely nothing to fear. We don’t have to live in terror of death or carry the burden of sorrow for those who have no hope. Jesus Christ has risen from the dead! His resurrection is the assurance of our own. Faith in His cross and resurrection provides us with hope in life and hope in death.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 25:19-34
More:
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. What instructions does Paul give the church? What’s the connection between these life instructions and the teaching that followed?
Next:
What are your feelings about death? How does the fact of Jesus’ resurrection affect your feelings?
alli on January 16, 2014 at 7:59 am
This is encouraging as someone who has been separated from family by distance and knowledge, its nice to know God doesnt forget you, might i value Him above those i would allow to take His place
winn collier on January 16, 2014 at 8:24 am
separation is one of the deepest pains. I pray grace for you.
Tom Kopper on January 16, 2014 at 8:58 am
The ‘rapture’ is different from His Second-Coming in that Jesus will-not set His foot on the ground, we will go up and meet Him in the air. Several times Paul made it clear that His ‘bride’ the ‘church’ or the Body-of-Christ is-not destined for wrath. His bride will come with Him at His Second-Coming, and then He will again set His feet on the ground.
winn collier on January 21, 2014 at 8:09 pm
yes, that is one view, Tom. Our hope is the same either way, in Christ.
tom felten on January 16, 2014 at 10:54 am
Thanks for this encouraging post, Winn. I’m reminded of what Paul wrote: “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” (Philippians 1:21).
mike wittmer on January 21, 2014 at 9:18 am
So true. Honestly, I am afraid of death. But this is precisely why I have given my life to Jesus, who has conquered death for me.
winn collier on January 21, 2014 at 8:10 pm
For some reason I have not quite parsed out, I’ve been having recurring bouts of this fear as well lately. Death is truly the enemy. Thank God for the Christ who put Death under his heel.