Check the context, note the principles . . .

Post my devotions online has been a disciple in more ways than taking time each day to do it. For one thing, I can easily think of readers rather than listen for God’s Word to me. Or I sometimes slip into teaching mode rather than devotional mode. I’ve also wrestled with difference and similarities between devotional reading and scholarly interpretation. God can use any passage to speak to my daily needs, but I still need to interpret it with care.

A big part of interpretation is context. If ignored, I could be led astray. For instance, a verse in today’s final reading from 1 and 2 Thessalonians stands out:

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

God could use this to give me a simple command: don’t be lazy. Or I could apply it to modern culture and form a philosophy regarding anyone who is jobless for whatever reason. However, the context is more specific than either of those thoughts.

Some of the Christians in Thessalonica assumed Jesus would arrive any minute. They responded to that idea by turning away from work but that made them a burden to the others. Paul told them to earn their own living rather than mooching, regardless of when Jesus would return.

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (2 Thessalonians 3:6–12)

Paul gave himself as an example. God’s people are not to be a burden to one another.

But there is more — while idle these people began meddling in the affairs of others. This is not what Christians are supposed to do either. We are to mind our own business and earn our own living, not take advantage of others. Context helps identify the principle behind these verses.

This passage reminds me of another warning to idle Christians based on the same principle. We are supposed to eat the communion meal together, not take advantage of those who labored to bring the bread and wine or gobble it up as our meal for the day. The example seems odd, but the principle is that our attitude is unity, sharing and recognizing that all of us belong to the Body of Christ. No one has any right to be greedy or take advantage of others, goofing off and letting someone else do all the work. Yes, workers can get tired, but that is not the point.

The passage about Communion or the Lord’s supper uses the same principle as the one about idleness in waiting for Jesus’ return:

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come. (1 Corinthians 11:27–34)

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Lord, one thing is clear; if I have anything in my life that pits myself against others in Your family or tries to take advantage of them, then I am cutting myself off from communion/fellowship with them and with You. This includes excusing myself from Christian service (“let the pastor do it”) and a host of other attitudes and actions. The entire Bible stresses unity with You marked by unity with other believers. Otherwise, I should be denied the joy of eating with them and experience the hunger of having an independent spirit.

Don’t like the ending?

Out of all the mysteries I’ve read only three had totally unacceptable endings where the perpetrator of the crime got away with it. When I closed those books, I spent some time in my mind rewriting the ending so that justice was done. However, as with any work of fiction there is one inescapably fact — the author is in total control of the story. Actually, I cannot change the ending that has been written.

The mystery of when Jesus Christ will return and how it will happen is much like that. Almighty God is in charge of the plot from beginning to end as well as what happens to all the characters. Not only that, those who do not like the ending will not be able to rewrite it either.

Two things are going to happen. The Bible describes the ending for all who put their faith in Him. I am okay with this ending:

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9–10)

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)

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11–12)

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:13–14)

The other aspect of the last chapter fills me with grief because it involves a very opposite result. The Word of God says there will be many who will not like the outcome of this part of God’s plan . . .

 . . . when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. (2 Thessalonians 1:7–10)

I know that every person has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. I also know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of sinners, sent by God to pay our penalty and offer us eternal life through faith in His name. No one deserves this grace. It is a gift He gives us through faith. The Old Testament prophesied this would happen and the New Testament describes this amazing good news. Yet some will not accept it. God says will experience separation from Him for eternity, the punishment all of us deserve and from which Jesus will save many.

The part of me that longs to see justice is not totally excited about this aspect of how the mystery of God ends. I don’t relish the thought of wrath or punishment yet I know that God is the author and finisher — I cannot rewrite this ending any more than I can reverse the blessing He bestows on those who rejoice in Him.

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Jesus, the mystery of what will happen at the end is not fully described. You gave us only enough to know that there are two sides to it; the sheep and the goats, the saved and the unsaved, the children of Light and the people of darkness. I’d like everyone to experience Your grace without anyone being in that other category. The best I can do is tell the world about Your saving power and hope that some will say YES to You and move from one side of the story’s end to the other.

Awake with anticipation . . .

Last night I finished reading another mystery about a drowning that looked like an accident but several clues said otherwise. These small clues eventually led to the two people who made this ‘accident’ happen and they were arrested and charged. What interested me is how each clue in itself was meaningless, but as the detectives gathered more than one, they led to the solution of the mystery.

When it comes to the mystery of when Jesus will return, we do have clues yet there are not quite enough of them to put all the pieces together. We know some of the signs and have indications what will be happening in the world prior to that great event, but only enough to make us curious and wary.

The Word of God tells us to be wary or watchful and aware of the conditions in the world. Not all of God’s people are up on current events. I know a few who do not read or watch the news. This is unfortunate for ignoring those events could keep us in the dark about something God wants us to be on the alert for. How can we know prophecy is being fulfilled if we shut ourselves off from the world’s issues? While I agree that the media can be biased and in error, paying attention can give us a good idea if the news heralds God’s activities.

But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:4–8)

Jesus said to be ready. Paul said to be ready. We will not be surprised as long as our minds are not buried in fluff. We are supposed to stay alert and this will help us be fortified for not just the return of Christ but any crisis. Yet being alert is not all that is needed. The Bible tells us to stay strong in our faith.

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

We stand strong when we keep our lives in order (awake and sober!). Church attendance is not mere ritual. I am strengthened by the messages from the pulpit. My faith is expressed and strengthened as I sing in worship. I’m reminded God is the source of all I have as the collection plate goes around. Other Christians encourage me with stories of God’s care during the week. We are needy people yet provided for by the mercy and grace of God.

Daily devotions are not mere ritual either. God speaks ‘rhema’ to me each morning as I come with a heart ready to listen. Today could be the Day! When Jesus comes, I want to be ready, not surprised and not ‘doing my own thing’ as if my life belongs to me. Daily time with God helps keep my easily distracted mind focused. Prayer is always a challenge to this scattered mind, but God uses those conversations to point me to the important stuff of life and to the people who need Him in a myriad of ways.

Other spiritual disciplines are vital, not because I’m trying to impress God but because they put me in places where He can bless me and keep me in a right relationship with Him and with others. While being aware of current events is not one of those disciplines, many times those items in the news lead to prayer, praise and a greater longing for Jesus to return. Wasting time and energy is becoming increasingly frustrating. I feel a sense of loss when I goof off. I don’t want to do that but realize that standing firm is a choice, a discipline.

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Jesus, the bottom line is that You want me to be always ready for that day when You will return to earth. It may not happen in my lifetime, but should it be soon, I want to be ready. Keep my mind stayed on You. You know I am prone to wander. Keep my heart trusting You, thinking of You, interpreting my life and the news of the world by what You have shown me concerning Your will. I don’t want to miss all the clues — yet want to add them up as time goes by and not be ignorant when the end draws near. At the same time, I don’t mind being surprised by how it all works out!