Hope Beyond the Grave: Barb Butts Funeral (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Merry Christmas, Barb

Christmas was once of Barbs favorite times of year. When I asked her about her funeral service, the only song she requested was O Holy Night. She was so fond of the song that she would sing it anywhere she felt welcome to sing it, even spontaneously at a Christmas party.

Sonny tells a story where Barb attended a Christmas party at his house. As she was leaving, Bard told Sonny that her favorite Christmas song was “O Holy Night,” and that she would love to sing it for him some time. Sonny, being genuinely hospitable, said, “Barb I would love to hear you sing it some day.” So, to the shock of Sonny and most of his extended family, Barb said alrighty, and begin singing with all of her might:

O holy night! the stars are brightly shining; It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth…

Advent is a special time leading up to Christmas that encourages us to eagerly anticipate the coming of the Lord. The word "Advent" actually comes from the Latin word "advenire," which means "to come to." You might hear people refer to the first coming of Jesus Christ as the first Advent, while his second coming is known as the second Advent.

Understanding the season of Advent is especially meaningful because it highlights the hope we hold in the Lord's arrival, which happens in various ways. The Lord came to us through the Incarnation, when he was born to the Virgin Mary. He continues to come into our lives as Christians, particularly on the Lord’s Day when we gather for worship. Lastly, we look forward to the Lord's return at the end of this age, when he will renew all things. Advent serves to remind us of Christ’s first coming and reassures us that he will fulfill his promise to return, bringing justice and deliverance to his church.

For Barb, even though she died early this year, Christmas came early for Barb on January 10, 2025. She no longer has to wait for the Lord to come. He brought her to him. And oddly enough, she will take part in the second advent with him. Now, how can I say that if her body is lying here in a coffin? I can say that because of what I know for certain about the resurrection of Jesus, his promise to resurrect those who trust him, and his promise to return to make all things knew.

In our passage, Paul speaks to the second advent of Christ in order to give encouragement and hope to a church that was confused about the second advent of Christ and the resurrection.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul addresses the Thessalonian believers’ concerns regarding those who have died in Christ, assuring them of the resurrection at the coming of the Lord. He emphasizes the certainty of hope for believers who face death, providing a powerful message of encouragement. From this message of encouragement, I want to offer you three certainties that bolster your hope as you rightly grieve the loss of Barb’s presence in your life for now.

Because I am Certain in Christ's Resurrection, I am certain Barb is alive (1 Thess 4:13-14)

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 ESV

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

Death is our enemy. Paul describes it that way to the Corinthian church when he describes Jesus’ victory over death (1 Cor 15:54-57). Our enemy deceives us into thinking that once death stings us through the law, there is no hope. Like every good deception, there is some truth to it. The law of God condemns us as sinners. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a). It is appointed for man to die once and then face judgement (Hebrews 9:27). Sinners who die in their sin have no hope. Death’s sting is deadly and victorious. So, Paul recognizes there are people in this world who are deceived about death, and they should not be the Thessalonians church. Paul is going to correct their understanding so they can grieve with hope.

A quick side note, Paul is not saying Christians should not grieve at all. Death’s sting ripples outward. Its waves hit us hard, especially the closer you are to the person who passed away. Jesus told we would have troubles in this world. Death is one of them. He promises to comfort us and get us through the pain. Paul is doing the same thing. You can grieve for Barbs death. We will miss her presence at church, even her deviled eggs. But we can grieve with hope. Why?

Paul says, “I don’t want you to be uninformed about those who have fallen asleep.” Sleep is a metaphor for death. Some of the Thessalonian church had died before Christ’s return. The Thessalonians’ were grieving because they mistakingly believed that dead Christians would miss the blessings associated with the Lord’s second coming. In verse 15, Paul begins to explain why you can grieve for Barb with hope.

Because Jesus is resurrected, Barb is alive in Christ. The certainty of Christ’s resurrection assures that death is not the end for believers. Paul says to the Roman church,

Romans 6:5–8 ESV

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

Every believer in Christ is certain of their resurrection from the dead because Jesus has risen from the dead. Barbs death is not a period at the end of her life, but a conjunction connecting her to the external life Jesus promised her.

Barb loved Jesus. I watched her put her faith in Christ while she was alive, and as she was dying. Some of her last words to a nurse was, “I know my time is near, but I am ok with it.” She believed Jesus. Her faith was not perfect, but her perseverance was unwavering. The reward for such faith is eternal life.

When Barb closed her eyes in this life, she immediately opened them in paradise. She is there now beholding the beauty and glory of King Jesus. Who knows how that conversation is going, right? I can imagine Barb standing before Jesus saying, “God morning Lord Jesus. Barb wants to let you know I’m here ready to serve wherever you want me. That’s what I do.” What is even more fantastic to think about is, when Jesus returns, she will be with him.

Paul says, “God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” When Jesus returns, God will lovingly bring the believers who have passed away back from heaven to reunite with those still living. On this joyous occasion, Jesus will come again, accompanied by the souls of those faithful believers who have been with Him in heaven. Together, they will be joyfully reunited with their resurrected bodies, and they will meet Him in the air, celebrating the promise of eternal life. Verse 15, indicates that those who are dead will be the first to receive their bodies. That means Barb will be marching with Christ when he comes to gather his elect. If you and I are alive when that happens, we will see Barb coming in the clouds with Jesus. Wouldn’t that be a sight? Because Jesus resurrected from the dead, Bard is alive right now in glory, waiting to receive her resurrected glorified body, and this gives me hope.

Because I am Certain of Christ’s resurrection, I am certain he will raise Barb from the dead 1 Th 4:16

1 Thessalonians 4:16 ESV

16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Jesus is alive and sits right at the Father’s side, interceding for all the saints with love. He promises to return one day and gather all His people together in joy. The Thessalonians were worried that those who had already passed away in Christ—believers who left us before the Lord’s return—might miss out on the blessings of His coming. But Paul reassures them that these dear believers will not be forgotten; they will actually rise first to glorious resurrection! Thanks to Christ’s resurrection, the Thessalonians can look forward to having new bodies that will never face death again (1 Cor 15:52–55). Paul describes the moment this happens to the Corinthian church. He says of Christ’s coming,

1 Corinthians 15:52–55 ESV

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

This resurrection embodies the heart of Christian hope. Every single one of us in Jesus Christ will rise from the dead with new bodies fit for heaven. What will our new resurrected body be like? I think we can take a few clues from Jesus’ resurrected body. Luke speaks of a time when the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples.

Luke 24:36–43 ESV

36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.

Jesus had a body that could move through material objects like walls, but not simply be a spirit. He had flesh and bones, opposable thumbs, fingers, hands, toes, and feet. He also had an appetite. He ate fish and bread, which means when he was thirsty he drank wine with them, to wash down the fish and bread. He was clothed with linens from heaven. He walked with them. Talked with them. He told them they were his own.

Heaven is describe as a physical place with streets and buildings. There are people sining songs of praise to God. Their eyes are filled with majestic things, and yet familiar things like a garden with beautiful trees and flowers. I can imagine the smell of jasmine and incense rolling in the wind captivating the nostrils of the saints. What I can’t imagine and might be most jealous of, is how Bard felt to embrace Jesus; to physically grab him, hold him close, knowing for certain she will never have to leave his side. She now knows a peace that surpasses all understanding, and one day she will experience it with a new body fit for heaven.

I want to encourage you brothers and sisters to grieve with hope. we are assured that Jesus will return in victory. Barb, along with many others who have gone before us, will return with him in victory. They will receive their resurrected body, just as you and I will receive one. We we will see them again.

Because I am certain of Jesus resurrection, I am comforted in a certain Joyful Reunion with Barb. (1 Th 4:17-18)

1 Thessalonians 4:17–18 ESV

17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Do you see the stunning reality? We will be 'caught up' with the Lord forever. His resurrection ensures Barb’s, and our eternal communion with Him. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that this reunion is not just with Christ but also with loved ones who were in Christ who have passed. In verse 18, we are to encourage each other to comfort one another with these truths. Jesus’ resurrection, and his promsie to raise us from the dead, ensures we are a community of Christians who are anchored in resurrected hope, and our mutual encouragement of the future resurrection and return of Christ, helps us transform our grief into joyful expectation.

Now listen carefully. I would be remiss if I did not tell you that the promsie of hope to those who grieve, is only for those who trust Jesus. If Jesus gave Barb five minutes to stand before you today. She would tell us to repent and believe the good news. What is the good news?

Romans 3:23 ESV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 ESV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Acts 4:12 ESV

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Romans 10:13 ESV

13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Barb believed this gospel. And because she believed it with all of her mind, heart, soul, and strength, she embraced the promise of eternal life and the resurrection. Right now, with her new heavenly voice, and her anticipating heart of an even more glorious resurrected voice, I can hear Barb singing to Jesus:

“Truly You taught us to love one another; Your law is love and Your gospel is peace. Chains shall You break, for the slave is our brother, And in Your name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise me; Let all within me praise Your holy name. Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever! Your pow’r and glory evermore proclaim! Your pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!”

Merry Christmas Barb. Until we meet again, we will grieve with hope for now looking forward to seeing you at the resurrection. Amen