A Benediction for End Times
After getting some additional morning rest and helping Debbie cover our patio furniture, I headed to the fitness center. I wasn’t sure about my strength or energy level, but ended up having a pretty good hour and a half workout. I ended with 35 minutes on the exercise bike and actually got my heart rate up to a level that was better than in the past.
I got home to watch the Broncos game. Since the 10 points the Raiders have scored so far were off of Manning interceptions, I was thinking perhaps Denver could take credit for those points in addition to the 41 they scored so far on their own.
Today was “Orphan Sunday” at our church. The need for foster families and adoptive parents made me think of my friend Lynn Johnson who serves as the Director of Human Services for Jefferson County. Lynn was one of the first to call me in 2006 to encourage me to run for the State House. She is one of the best Human Service Directors in our state and has engaged churches and community organizations in addressing needs of children and those in poverty in her county. I ran into Lynn and her husband Lance last Tuesday in Denver. (see picture)
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it”. 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24
The early church in this Greek city had not only embraced the gospel, but were becoming a model to other churches. Paul commends them on their “…work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ….you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers…” (1 Thessalonians 1:3,6,7)
The Thessalonians fully embraced God’s Word, Paul said, “when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” (1 Thess. 2:13)
The spiritual growth of these believers was an encouragement to Paul, “in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.” (1 Thess. 3:7)
But Paul realized that these Christians would continue to face challenges and temptations from the culture around. He also wanted them to be aware of the coming of the Lord and how those who died and those who were alive when Christ returns would be raised together to meet Jesus. (1 Thess. 4:16,17) In light of this Paul writes, “…we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.” (1 Thess. 4:1)
As Paul comes to the conclusion of his letter, he gives some charges to be carried out in their Christian life (1 Thess. 5:14-22) and then ends with the benediction that pronounces his prayer for the Lord to keep them separated from all that would distract and contaminate in their entire being, so they will be “found spotless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The encouragement that all this rides on is the fact that “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it”.
How should we live in a “world headed for destruction” one that is that much closer to the return of Christ? By allowing Paul’s benediction to the Thessalonians to direct our life and to encourage us. We see in this benediction not only Paul’s desire but the Lord’s desire to His followers; and our success is assured as we rely on the Lord’s faithfulness.