TGIF

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13

The early Church Father, Tertullian said it best, “Hope is patience with the lamp lit.” The reality is that life can be very dark because of death and its symptoms. And if the Dawkins brigade are right then it is far darker than we realise. Truly, from dust we came and to dust we return.

But Paul reminds us that for those who trust in Jesus, there is a light in the darkness. It is the hope of resurrection from death. It’s hope for ourselves but also our hope for others.

I’ve been reminded of this recently after the funeral of a Christian lady. There was sadness, but also joy as her family and friends reflected on a life that doesn’t truly end in death.

This is something to truly give thanks for. Unlike the rest of mankind who can only throw up wishes in the darkness. We have a true light at the end of the tunnel. A hope that we didn’t deserve but can freely embrace in Christ. Give thanks for hope today.

For Today:

• Have you been to a funeral recently? How was it?
• Do you think about death? Do you feel hope?
• Is there someone who needs to hear about this hope?

Pray:

• Praise the Father that He is the Father of lights and graciously gives us hope in Jesus. 
• Give thanks for Jesus whose death and resurrection are our hope. 
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others be patient with the light turned on.