Quiet Contemplation - Day 47

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (NLT)

With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.

            Paul joins Silas, and Timothy in sending a message of hope, comfort, and encouragement to the fellowship of believers in Thessalonica. I wanted to know a little bit more about the church in Thessalonica and discovered that the city was important as a center of naval travel. This would have given the Thessalonian fellowship excellent opportunity for spreading faith in Christ to others. Interestingly, I discovered many had ceased to be productive workers because they believed Christ was coming soon. Now I understand why Paul was writing to remind the early church to remain steadfast, keep working and refrain from idleness while awaiting Christ’s return. At that point, only about 50 years had passed since Christ’s resurrection and ascension.

            Here we are some 2,000 years later, and the message of hope remains consistent. Keep working, keep doing what you are doing, be faithful, be strong, keep your courage up! God’s timing is infinitely perfect; he will return when he returns. Until then, his grace is more than sufficient to comfort us and strengthen us in every good thing we do and say.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Sometimes we feel like we are just plodding along through life. And yet, your word reminds us that we have much to do while we await your soon coming return. Your grace provides us with the comfort and strength we need each day to be productive for you. Forgive us when we fail you and renew our spirits for service in the opportunities you bring our way.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by,

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!