It was a Facebook story that drew me into this scripture this morning and a version of the Bible that I don’t know. I just knew it wasn’t the King James Version and it was frustrating me as I compared the two versions together. And then as God does, He drew me away from the world and into a spiritual mindset, one that was concerned about souls… not bible versions. That’s not to excuse the changing of the word of God to fit man’s agenda. And God knows my heart. It’s simply to say, right now now there are more important things to worry about Shari.
Like the fact that like Paul, I don’t have to tell you that these times and seasons we are in are preparing us for eternity. If you have read the Bible, you know. But what I have to keep telling myself is “stay focused.” Paul writes as much to the Thessalonians in chapter 1:
1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 KJVS
[1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. [4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
Does anyone else find it odd that Paul compares the Lord to a thief? I do. Paul is not referring to the character of the thief but to the manner in which he comes: unawares, suddenly, when there is no thought of it occurring. You know… kind of like now for most of the world. While I can get so wrapped up in things of this world that I pay no mind to what’s going on outside the walls of my house, God is faithful to bring my mind back into the matters I need . to be aware of. Like daylight, not darkness.
[8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. [9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Last night I gave myself a manicure, and then realized my fingers looked like an advertisement for the weather app on my phone 📱. But I needed ☀️ sunshine in my life. Even if just on my fingertips. The cold and dreary weather of February always does a number on my psyche. Add to it the mud of living in the hills of West Virginia, and it’s a recipe for depression. But this morning my nails seem to be a fitting reminder that I am a child of the day, not the night!
Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they were saved with purpose. God had pulled their souls out of a destination of wrath and awarded them salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, which they could rest in day or night, life or death. God had spared them, and now spares us as we go into these final days whether they end today or a century from now. Though I’m inclined to believe it’s going to be sooner than later.
As children of the day there should be an openness of our relationship with Christ. We should be talking Jesus at every opportunity. Paul continues on to say:
[11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. [12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; [13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. [14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. [15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man ; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Quite a while ago I spoke to someone in our area about being in church, to which they replied, I’m a member of “this” church. To which I replied, “Oh, so and so is the Pastor there.” I could tell by the look on their face they were clueless as to who that was. That set me aback. How could you profess to be a part of a body of believers and not even know who the Pastor of that church was? I highly doubt anyone in Paul’s day had that problem. Just saying you were a part of a church might get your head on the chopping block. You had to know who was laboring among you, because anyone else might kill you. That’s not the case in America, at least not yet. We need to know who it is that actually does the work in our church, and encourage them!
Churches have been in such a strange place for the past year. Some open, some not, no visitation, no choir, no fellowships. We need to get the church doors open and return to being children of the day, we need to let our little lights shine!
The remainder of Chapter 1, Paul gives a charge to the church that this epistle be read to the members. They needed a reminder to live holy, boldly and encouraging within the body of Christ. The world will beat around on us and stir up mud and strife, but among each other our light should shine and warm the hearts of our friends. Praying for one another, loving on each other, till Jesus comes. It’s hard to do that when the church isn’t meeting.
[16] Rejoice evermore. [17] Pray without ceasing. [18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. [19] Quench not the Spirit. [20] Despise not prophesyings. [21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. [22] Abstain from all appearance of evil. [23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. [25] Brethren, pray for us. [26] Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. [27] I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. [28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
I pray these words encouraged you as they did me today. God’s word is timeless. But actual time is fleeting. Tell someone about the saving power of our Lord today!