Those who knew Jesus expected him to return very soon after the resurrection.  But Jesus never gave a date or a time – that was (and is) God’s will.  Yet the early believers expected Jesus to return any day.  Part this was probably a longing to see their good friend again.

As people in the early church began to die, some worry arose over the fact that Jesus had not returned.  They didn’t know their loved one’s fates.  But Paul assured them and assures us that final victory over death has been won by Jesus Christ’s resurrection.  Paul assured us that those who have died will rise and return in glory when He returns.  Those alive at the time of His return will then join the great cloud of witness.

As a human we grieve the physical loss.  But as a Christian we rejoice in knowing they have attained their place in heaven’s glory.  We also live each day without fear of death because we too know that our eternity is secure, resting fully with Christ!

Scripture reference: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18