1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Early yesterday, our CEO sent an email to the company announcing the sudden and untimely death of a colleague at our firm.  To call it unexpected would be an understatement.  He and his wife had recently had their first child, and he was one of the nicest and most helpful people in the firm to work with.  Everything about his death is heart-breaking and painful. 
  Death is inconvenient, it is hard, and it has sharp edges that cut those of us left behind as it claims its victims.  There are no words that will set things right for his wife and child -- there will always be a hole in their lives.  I toss and turn it over in my mind, and there are no easy words or answers for the challenging questions that are cast by the ultimate darkness.
  In these times, verse 9 is a rock to cling to amidst the chaotic storms -- For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.  As I ask big questions and wonder why such things happen to such good people, I remember that the God who comes as Judge is the same God who comes as Savior.  God ascended the cross because God longs for us to be saved, for us to live with him. 
  In challenging times, let us encourage one another and build one another up.  Life is hard, and we need one another.  We need to be reminded of our ultimate hope in Christ, and we need to know that the fight of the darkness, while overwhelming, is futile.  Christ has won, and Christ shall win, each and every day. 
  So hug your loved ones and tell them you love them, and may the hope that lives in you be apparent to those around you.