So long

[Do not] sorrow as others who have no hope.— 1 Thessalonians 4:13

My grandfather refused to say “goodbye”; he felt the word was too final. So, when we would drive away after family visits, his farewell ritual was always the same. Standing in front of the green ferns that lined his house, he would wave and call out, “So long”!

As believers, we never have to say “goodbye” to the ones we love, as long as they have placed their trust in Jesus as Savior. The Bible promises that we will see them again.

The apostle Paul said that we should not “sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13), because when Jesus returns, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves and — together with the believers who are still alive — will meet the Lord in the air (vv.15-17). We have confidence that one day in heaven there will be “no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying” (Rev. 21:4). It’s in that wonderful place that “we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17).

Christians have the hope of an eternal reunion with Christ and with believing loved ones who have passed away. That’s why Paul exhorted us to “comfort one another with these words” (v.18). Today, encourage someone with the hope that allows us to say “so long,” instead of “goodbye.” —  Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion

With our dear loved ones

who’ve gone before;

In that fair homeland

we’ll know no parting

— Beyond the sunset forevermore.

                                                — Brock

READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

At death, God’s people don’t say “Goodbye,” but “We’ll see you later.”

The Bible in one year:

• Isaiah 65-66

• 1 Timothy 2