As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you? But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:15, 13-17)
Last night as I handed out candy for the trick-or-treaters, we saw the most polite and cute kids we could hope for. Yes, we had adults dressed in costume with their own bags, but that's another story for another day. Only one showed any impatience towards my delivery of the goodies; he grabbed the bowl and was about to help himself to everything in it, but Mom, dressed up as well, removed his hand and calmed him down. She couldn't get him to say thank you, but she did manage to hold her bag and repeat what her son did not have time for, "Trick or treat."
Impatience runs through all of us. More so those awaiting something special and needed in their lives. This was the case of the people in Thessalonica. They knew there was no greater thing in their lives or faith than the coming of the Lord. And impatience was getting to some people to the point they started spreading a rumor that the Lord had already come and had overlooked them. This report got back to Paul who had to write the first words of this letter; He has not yet returned! There is much that He has to do and none of it will be in secret or hidden; He will take His seat in the Temple of God and the whole world will know that He has returned. Your job, write the Apostle is to wait, patiently, without wavering or abandoning your faith until that day comes. Our hope is still in the Lord.
Some days we feel the same way about things pressing us for decision or as we await decisions; but we still have that hope that we are not alone, and that God is with us. The Message version says, "We've got our hands full continually thanking God for you" which means that Paul never had an idle moment nor did he let those around him have that sort of idle time. I can almost hear him say, "Got nothing to do? Pray! Especially pray for those in Thessalonica!" He would tell us the same thing; pray for one another especially those on your church's prayer list. It's there for a reason, use it!
PRAYER: Loving God, I life up my prayer of praise to You and I ask Your intercession on the needs of this dear reader and their family and friends who stand in need. You are so awesome that You know our needs before we ask, but we ask now that You be at work in all of our lives. Grant us again Your peace and hope, that we may stand firm and hold fast to You. I pray this in Christ Jesus's strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
