Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMPC
The Inspiration:
Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, speaking to them about a topic that he had covered several times, which is the return of Jesus. One thing that is clear is that I cannot pick and choose the truths of God's Word that are convenient for me; I have to accept all of God's revealed truths. The Bible makes it clear that Jesus will return some day; nowhere is the day known, but like all of God's promises, you can be sure that this will also come to pass. What this makes clear is that nothing in this life is destined to last forever, except that which is God's. If you buy and engrave your name on anything, when death comes, you still cannot take it with you. Even if you are the founder and brain behind an invention, the day you die is the end of your hold or claim on that thing. That day will come like a thief in the night, who comes when no one is expecting him. Even if he gives notice, you can only prepare as best as available information can help you plan.
The Contention:
This is where God's word comes in, as it has now provided adequate information on what is ahead. The Word of God tells me what is ahead, as well as how I can adequately prepare. I note that those who can prepare the right way are described as 'children of the Light'. Light shows the way. It tells you who you are, as well as the path you are to take. I will not have a valid excuse, because God's word is available in many languages and across different media. I cannot plead ignorance, because even in creation, God's mighty hand is revealed. I need the help of the One who inspired the contents in order to fully understand what the bible is saying. I will also need the company of other people like mysel, who desire to know more of God, and who are eagerly expecting his return. For all who come together in fellowship, we are dressed for service and impact in the world we have been planted.
The Conclusion:
We belong to the day. Jesus died and rose again, so we could be delivered from the power of darkness, and translated to God's kingdom of light. We are permanent citizens of the kingdom of God, and whilst we wait for the full manifestation of the transformed body that God promised us, we keep waiting, praying, working, hoping and watching. This is why the verse above is so critical to this discussion. Life will throw all sorts of things at me as I wait, but I keep my eyes on Jesus. I know the present may be tough, but the life that lies at the end of it all makes the journey worth it. Even in the face of death, I know that eternal life lies at the end of the process, whenever that may be. This is the comfort for me, and it has to be the daily focus. It has to be the point of edification for all who will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. That hope is what keeps us sane, even as the world is falling to pieces. Do you have this hope? God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment