Scripture
For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

Observation
Paul sets out here his belief in the resurrection of the people of God. Believers are people of hope and we should not mourn like those who have no hope. We who share in Christ's death will share in His resurrection, and when Jesus comes he will bring back the believers who have already died.

Jesus is coming back. He will come with a loud noise and a fanfare. Those who are dead will rise and then those who are still alive will also be caught up to meet Him in the air.

Application
There are two great truths and sources of hope for Christians in this passage.

Firstly Paul tells us that God is in control of history. We do not have to fear for the future. The devil will not win and the world will not fall into chaos due to forces beyond anyone's control. The pagans can fear for the future, but Christians must always remember that God directs the affairs of history and the destiny of the human race is safely in His hands.

Secondly Paul tells us that we and our loved ones have a future. For christians at least, death is not the end of the story. Jesus rose from the dead and He will raise us also. We who are believers can be consoled that our christian friends and relatives are alive with God.

We can surely trust God to look after our future, the future of the people we love and the future of the whole planet.

Prayer
What a relief it is Father to know that we can trust the future into your hands. We don't know what lies around the corner, but it will not take you by surprise. Help me Lord to trust you and to never be anxious. Amen.