2 Thessalonians 3:9-13

“Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.” vs. 13

Evidently a kind of malaise had taken over the congregation in Thessaloniki. There had been some ongoing persecution but the primary problem was confusion about the coming return of Christ. Some were saying it had already happened and a few had stopped working in anticipation that the day was close. Paul too believes that the return will be soon, but he admonishes the idle to get back to work. Much still needed to take place before the end would come. We may not be facing the same issues in our congregations–the belief in an imminent return of Christ has faded–but there’s still a problem of spiritual malaise. We can get weary of doing the same things over and over and begin to feel discouraged about life in general. Days come and go, weeks and years pass, and nothing seems to change. Some give up or drop out and their presence is missed in the company of believers. Paul encouraged his friends to simply keep on doing what is right and trust that their work is making a difference. Now, in this post-election confusion, there’s plenty for us to do–people are yearning for words of kindness and love. People are tired of the rancor and debate and are looking for signs of hope–and it’s here that people with Jesus-centered faith can lead the way in restoring morale. It’s certainly not a time for giving up on doing what is right!

Thought for the Day: When am I likely to feel like giving up?

2 Thessalonians 3:6-9

“Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us.” vs. 6

Even though followers of Jesus are called by grace and live by grace, they are generally seriously upset by those who sit idly by and allow others to do all the work. It’s one of the by-products of living in community.  Those who live in Christ resist individualism and value the generous sharing of gifts to address the problem of poverty in our communities and in the world. We seriously want to help each other. But at the same time, from the beginning Christians have had an issue with idleness. In Thessalonica, where believers were looking for the imminent return of Christ, evidently some had chosen to quit working as they waited. Paul is not pleased and points to his own example–even as a preacher of the gospel, he had also earned his own living. That theme resonates for us too. We believe that there is value in work and that “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” Unfortunately that conviction can lead to rejection of government welfare programs that are designed to provide a safety net for the poor. While it is true that there is great value in work, sometimes, particularly when children are involved, people need a big helping hand in periods of unemployment. Hard work and compassionate generosity will both be highly prized by people of faith.

Thought for the Day: What are the negative effects of idleness?

Psalm 98:8-9

“Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.” vss. 8-9

Many have been waiting for this day for weeks. They’re tired of looking at all the campaign signs and being besieged by unwelcome television ads and unsolicited text messages on their phones. It’s a relief that the unceasing attacks and accusations will at least be toned down–or at least that is our hope. One thing is certain. Next year new faces will be running our states and the congress–and the responsibility for them is enormous. Decisions they’ll be making will have consequences for the entire world. Many have said that they are God-fearing people and we’ll soon find what that means. Followers of Jesus know that being in Christ means paying attention to the poor and the needy and taking care of this precious earth, and they are eagerly waiting to see if the newcomers will have a heart for the broken and the oppressed. Too often the policies and practices of governments are crafted to favor the rich and the powerful, and we can only pray that our new leaders will have a heart for the hungry and the hurting. The psalmist prayed for justice and fairness for all peoples. He believed that this was God’s will–and he wasn’t wrong!

Thought for the Day: What am I feeling about election results?

Psalm 98:1-6

“The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.” vs. 2

Tonight millions of households will be anxiously awaiting the results of this midterm election and in the midst of the elation and disappointment there will be some who say that the Lord has given victory to the winners. They will sing praises and give glory to God for this very visible triumph over the forces of evil. We can understand how folks feel this way but the truth is that humans have directed the election outcomes. Those who win are simply saints and sinners like the rest of us–some of them may be wonderful, but others may be rascals. And God can work through any of them! Our call as followers of Jesus is to offer support to those who now hold office and trust that they will use their positions to improve the lives of the poor, address the causes of poverty,  and develop non-partisan legislation that will address the needs of all citizens. At the very least we can pray that the fear-mongering sloganeering of these last months will be laid to rest. Enormous damage has been done to relationships and congregations as political divisions have been exploited and exaggerated. Now is a time for healing and peace-making, and it is people of faith who should be leading the way. We serve one God and have one Savior, and we have different political convictions–and Jesus says we are to love one another as we have been loved!

Thought for the Day: Who needs a word of love from me today?

Malachi 4:1-2a

“But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.” vs. 2a

Malachi, like other prophets in Judah, spoke of the coming Day of the Lord, a time in which God would rain down fire and destruction on evil-doers, while also preserving the righteous from any harm. We see that same prophetic discourse in these latter days as we look forward to a future that many believe is fraught with imminent disaster. Some anticipate catastrophic environmental changes brought on by global warming. They warn that we don’t have long to change our ways before disaster strikes. Some others would say that the Day of the Lord is linked to our state elections, and that there will be long-lasting dire consequences if the wrong candidates are elected. While it is true that the environment demands our attention in significant ways, it’s doubtful whether the election results will have eternal significance. Of course we would like our preferred candidates to win–elections do have consequences–but if they don’t, life will still go on. The sun will rise on us all and we will then have time and energy to focus on the mission so clearly laid out by Jesus. We’ll be loving our enemies, doing good to those who hate us, proclaiming the good news of grace, and figuring out how to feed the hungry. Our call to be the presence of Christ in the world never ends–and frankly, sometimes it’s a relief not to have to worry about elections.

Thought for the Day: How much do I care about the election?

Luke 6:27-31

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” vss. 27-28

In the gospel of Matthew, following the beatitudes, Jesus tells his disciples that they are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Luke’s version of the beatitudes is similar, but here Jesus’ instructions to the disciples describe more fully what it means to be the light. The words are familiar, but their counter-cultural tone presents us with an enormous challenge. We live in a time when divisions have hardened, and it’s become difficult to even be civil to those with opposing views. Insults, slander, and lies have become second nature in social and political discourse, and some have been deeply offended by those with whom they disagree. But just imagine how society would be transformed if Jesus’ words were taken to heart. Instead of tearing down their opponents, politicians would speak of their love for them and regularly offer blessings and prayers on their behalf. Obviously, that’s not likely to happen among those running for office, but it should be a regular practice in our communities of faith and in our neighborhoods. Relationships are so precious in our lives and they deserve to be sustained with our regular prayers for understanding and unity. Jesus sums his teaching up well–all we really need to do is “do to others as we would have them do to us.” It’s that simple!

Thought for the Day: Why is the “golden rule” so hard to follow?

Luke 6:20-31

“Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.” vs. 26

Most of us have an enormous need to be liked, a character flaw that the social media giant Facebook has exploited to generate traffic on its pages. People will go to any lengths to post pictures and comments that will get them “likes” from their hundreds of make-believe “friends.” The vulnerable among us, particularly the young and needy, can be devastated when their postings are ignored or ridiculed. Jesus warns his disciples that getting approval from others may be a sign they’re heading in the wrong direction, because historically, true prophets have never won popularity contests. How much better it is when we can develop enough confidence in ourselves and in our values to speak and act boldly in every situation without worrying about how we are being received. We may not win a lot of friends, but at least the truth will be seen and heard. Getting to this point in life is enormously difficult because most of us care so much about what others think. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that prophets are so rare in our world. What a blessing it is when we grow so confident of God’s unconditional love that we can take risks with our words and deeds. Only then can real societal transformation take place. Only then can there be reformation!

Thought for the Day: How much do I care about being liked?

Ephesians 1:15-23

“And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” vss. 22-23

From the beginning the church formed by the followers of Jesus has been understood to be the Body of Christ. We’ve grown accustomed to that designation and have come to take it for granted, but it really is an audacious claim. We are saying that people of faith, saints and sinners alike, are collectively the presence of the eternal Christ in the world today. Of course God exists apart from the church–there is no part of the universe in which God is not present. But the church is the present incarnation of God in the flesh. We are Christ to the world, and more particularly, the recurring presence of Jesus in the world. In us the world sees the sacrificial love of God, and experiences the healing hands of Jesus. At least that’s how it is supposed to be. Because there is great power in the church, rulers and politicians are continually trying to use it for nationalistic purposes. But the true Church of Christ transcends national and political boundaries and works across party lines to promote justice and peace for all people. Like Jesus it speaks the truth to power and reaches out to lift up the poor and the hungry. It’s a blessing to be a part of the Body of Christ–may we remain faithful and vigilant!

Thought for the Day: Why does the Church need to be vigilant?

Ephesians 1:11-14

“In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.” vss. 13-14

As we observe the lives of fellow saints and sinners in our congregations we are often touched by the serenity and peace that accompanies some as they face the trials of our day. There’s an air of confidence about them, and an unwavering devotion to the good news. They know where they’ve been and they know where they’re going, and nothing is going to shake them in their daily walk. It isn’t that they’re any better than anyone else, but they do know that they have been marked with the cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit, and that their future is secure. They are God’s own people and their inheritance has already been revealed to them. How is it that some folks have this confidence while others don’t? To some extent it’s a gift from God, but it also has a strong connection to trust. They simply believe the promises that are a part of our common heritage! They’ve put their confidence in God, and not in themselves, and are looking forward to the full revelation of their inheritance. It’s a good way to live–and a wonderful thing to see.

Thought for the Day: Who do I know that lives like this?

Ephesians 1:11-14

“In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.” vss. 13-14

As we observe the lives of fellow saints and sinners in our congregations we are often touched by the serenity and peace that accompanies some as they face the trials of our day. There’s an air of confidence about them, and an unwavering devotion to the good news. They know where they’ve been and they know where they’re going, and nothing is going to shake them in their daily walk. It isn’t that they’re any better than anyone else, but they do know that they have been marked with the cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit, and that their future is secure. They are God’s own people and their inheritance has already been revealed to them. How is it that some folks have this confidence while others don’t? To some extent it’s a gift from God, but it also has a strong connection to trust. They simply believe the promises that are a part of our common heritage! They’ve put their confidence in God, and not in themselves, and are looking forward to the full revelation of their inheritance. It’s a good way to live–and a wonderful thing to see.

Thought for the Day: Who do I know that lives like this?