“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who have fallen asleep”

                                                                                                     1 Thessalonians 4:13

 

I once heard this comparison between ignorant and stupid: “A person can be ignorant (not knowing some fact or idea) without being stupid (incapable of learning because of a basic mental deficiency).” When Paul says he would not want his brothers to be ‘ignorant’ about those who have fallen asleep, he’s really saying he wants them to be aware of the facts when it comes to death. That is, that those who died in faith in Christ will be resurrected from their death.

 

Case in point: I recall doing Bible studies at a group home in my hometown and Erwin, one of the residents with a mental disorder would always say to me, “My mother’s up there!” and point to heaven. “I’m going to see my mother someday,” he’d always add with joy and conviction. In no way would I call Erwin neither ignorant nor stupid because he knew! He knew ‘the facts that God is going to raise the dead. This blessed hope gives peace and assurance to believers close to death as well as every believer. It also serves as a reminder that those we love who die in faith, we will see again. Thus, Erwin’s joy is our joy!

 

 

“Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Matt.25:13

 

Every time I go see my Chiropractor Dr. L, I know its coming! I know she’s going to make that quick crank of my neck. I can’t help anticipate its coming either! That’s not good, according to Dr. L. She would have me remain relaxed so my muscles aren’t tense or that I fight against her adjustment. She’d remind me, “Now relax! Don’t think about what you think is coming. Instead, think about…” and she’d give me some other thought to think about. Then before I knew it, “Bang!” and crackity, crack, crack!

 

Getting an adjustment is good but anticipating the moment it will occur is bad. However, anticipating and watching for our Lord’s return is good! The 5 virgins that filled their

lamps with oil were prepared to meet the Bridegroom. Jesus would have us be prepared by being in His Word, receiving His Sacraments, being in prayer, and being ever mindful of the petition in His prayer He gave us: “Thy kingdom come.” The day is coming! We

look forward to with great anticipation to the day Jesus will return and takes us to the Wedding feast. This wedding feast; the union of Jesus-the Bridegroom, and we, the Bride-His Church is eternal. His Word even now serves as a precious reminder to keep us ever ready!

 

 

“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies” Amos 5:21

 

According to Chinese tradition, filial piety was the duty of all Chinese. Being a filial son meant complete obedience to his parents during their lifetime. As his parents grew older, the son was then responsible for taking the best possible care of them. In our text, God was upset with His children, the Children of Israel. Their piety and pious acts were worthless and a stench to God. They did not do them with justice and righteousness or a believing heart. One could say they were like unbelieving church-goers; hence, they were only there taking up a pew. Unbelievers cannot in any way please God.

 

In a sense, we’re all filial pious children to our Heavenly Father to whom we must obey

with perfect obedience. There is only One who can and has been perfectly obedient; His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus has paid the price of our disobedience on the cross. Now when God sees those who believe in Jesus, He sees His righteous and perfect children. Also as a result, our every act done in faith is pleasing in His sight. The Bible and God says,

“Because you are luke-warm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Half-hearted, ‘going through the motions’ of being a Christian does not cut it with God. Our hope, holiness, and acceptance of The Father rest on Jesus; our never failing stream of righteousness.