Day 64: Thessalonians 4-5. Waiting for the Lord
In chapter 4, Paul continues to encourage the Thessalonians, and then he gets to the concern that is on his heart, and that he knows is on their hearts: The Return of Jesus. More exactly, what are they to think about Jesus' return now that some of the members of their congregation have died?
So it's apparent that the first Christians thought Jesus was coming back very soon. VERY soon. So much so that they are taken aback when some from their congregation die, because they thought Jesus would come back before that happens. But Paul has some comfort for them, and wants to let them know what he thinks will happens.
Here's what he says: those who have died will rise first, and then those who are still alive will go up to meet the Lord in the air. (I suspect that this is where the term "rapture", which is not found in the Bible, originates. I'm not sure why it came to be called "the rapture.") As well, Paul cautions the church members not to grieve "as those who have no hope." Even though some of them have died, they have hope of the new kingdom and the new life God is preparing for them, and preparing them for.
I'm thinking right now about what it means that these early Christians lived with such urgency, believing that Jesus could come back tomorrow, or at least the day after. What would it mean to live each day like that? After all, it's true that each day could be our last one. We don't know what the future brings, except that Jesus is there, the victor.
At the end of the letter, Paul gives many memorable, pithy words of encouragement. Short as haiku, simple and profound, word like "Pray without ceasing" and "Rejoice always" and "Give thanks in every situation" haunt us, because we can remember them.
The Lord may not be coming tomorrow, but the Lord is near. Do not quench the Holy Spirit. Just don't.
So it's apparent that the first Christians thought Jesus was coming back very soon. VERY soon. So much so that they are taken aback when some from their congregation die, because they thought Jesus would come back before that happens. But Paul has some comfort for them, and wants to let them know what he thinks will happens.
Here's what he says: those who have died will rise first, and then those who are still alive will go up to meet the Lord in the air. (I suspect that this is where the term "rapture", which is not found in the Bible, originates. I'm not sure why it came to be called "the rapture.") As well, Paul cautions the church members not to grieve "as those who have no hope." Even though some of them have died, they have hope of the new kingdom and the new life God is preparing for them, and preparing them for.
I'm thinking right now about what it means that these early Christians lived with such urgency, believing that Jesus could come back tomorrow, or at least the day after. What would it mean to live each day like that? After all, it's true that each day could be our last one. We don't know what the future brings, except that Jesus is there, the victor.
At the end of the letter, Paul gives many memorable, pithy words of encouragement. Short as haiku, simple and profound, word like "Pray without ceasing" and "Rejoice always" and "Give thanks in every situation" haunt us, because we can remember them.
The Lord may not be coming tomorrow, but the Lord is near. Do not quench the Holy Spirit. Just don't.
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