Asleep in Christ
During the past 12 months the world has struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic. It may have been a time when many of us have had to face the reality of death – the death of loved ones or the risk to ourselves.
As much as we would like to go on living, death is inevitable for us all. We are rarely ready for the finality and the heartbreak it brings. And sometimes the fear.
In 1 Corinthians 15:18 when speaking about those who have died, Paul refers to them as being “asleep in Christ”.
This may seem a strange statement. But the Bible makes several references to death being a “sleep”.
Jesus himself used the same words:
John 11:11-14 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up."
His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better."
Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead..”
If you have ever undergone an operation under anaesthetic you will know the feeling of drifting off and your next conscious moment feeling like it has only been a second away. For those who have died faithful to Jesus, we believe it is like falling asleep and that our very next conscious moment will be a time of joy and reunion when we are brought back to life at His return to earth.
You will find reference to this wonderful time in the following passages:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 and Daniel 12:2
May we all experience the peace of God in these difficult times and be assured of the wonderful hope he has given us in Jesus.