This week we will finish the epistles to the Thessalonians and start in on Titus. Please read; Monday -- 1 Thessalonians 5, Tuesday -- 2 Thessalonians 1, Wednesday -- 2 Thessalonians 2, Thursday -- 2 Thessalonians 3, and Friday -- Titus 1.
As Paul closes this letter he chooses not to speculate on the end times. He says, “Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape!” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NRSV. Even Paul, perhaps one of the greatest authorities on Old Testament prophesy, a man who had been caught up to heaven, didn’t presume to know when the Lord would return. Isn’t it a bit presumptuous for us to?
Paul’s call to the Thessalonians is my call to you, stay awake, live ready for the coming of the Lord, lest it surprise you and catch you unprepared.
Paul’s closing admonitions to the church are worth reading over and over again, “But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 NRSV.
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2 comments:
Now this is the part of end-times talk I relate to more: You don't need more details. Just be ready. That I can work on, even if I don't always feel very ready for God breaking into my life!
I agree with you Elizabeth – we should be ready, so have faith. I’ve always remembered and quoted verse 2 of this chapter - that He will return like a thief in the night – when we’re not anticipating. Not only that, but it’s awesome to have faith in Christ, because it helps us really live life to the full, instead of life in the garbage of this earth. So why not BE ready? I’m in – but I know I have to keep working at it, so I won’t sleep!
The ending was a very good way to end the book – so many good tips and ideas. I especially noticed the “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,” probably because of the timing close to Thanksgiving. It’s good that we have that day to help us remember how blessed we really are. “I ate breakfast today, so I’m lucky!” Makes you think, doesn’t it?
Happy Thanksgiving time. Got your stuffing?
M-A-R-S-H
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