Reflect
Recall a time when your personal circumstances affected what you were willing to listen to and believe.
That is what is happening to the original recipients of Paul’s letters. In Paul’s first letter to them there is recognition that they are being horrifically persecuted. The persecution has continued, and the Thessalonians are at a loss for how this could be and then have been led to believe that the only plausible reason is that they missed the return of Jesus, who was to rescue them. Trauma greatly affects our ability to think clearly and listen to truth.
I read Paul’s words not as demeaning. Rather, he is also in the trenches and knows how suffering can alter our ability to grasp reality. His words are of empathy, not scolding.
We all have seasons where we are vulnerable and can be swept up in false teaching. This is yet another reason that we not only attend church; rather, that we engage deeply with other followers of Jesus. So that when (not if) the false teachers that are instruments of Satan display power, signs and wonders in an attempt to deceive us, we are not mesmerized by their spectacle and remain in Christ.
Apply
How are you intentionally forging strong relationship with other followers of Jesus?
How do you and your community resist the urge to embrace the latest fads, while also not being stuck in your faith from yesterday?
How is your movement in stride with Jesus?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for our Worship Ministries Assistant, Daniel Zander.