The Epistle 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers, and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?
But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers, and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose, he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts, and strengthen them in every good work and word.
Let us Pray a prayer for All Saint’s Observance
Bless the many parted souls who lived their lives with grace. Bless the saints in heaven, gathered in that special place.
May we tell their stories and remember all the ways they lived their faith and spent their days.
There is glory and reward, even if at first there’s strife. Oh, blessed saints, you help us see a path that’s to eternal life.
May we always hold them dear and know their life and place. May we know their inspiration and aspire to their grace. Amen.
Looks like even in biblical times fake news existed. The church in Thessolonica was facing a challenge like that. The challenge was reported that Jesus had already come back. Surprising, the Thessalonians had questions. Questions such as: when was Jesus going to come back? Had they missed it? Were they ‘left behind’ and putting their faith in something that wasn’t really true? Paul wanted to encourage the Thessalonians to stand firm in their faith. Paul assured them that the Day of the Lord and the Tribulation have not yet come. It was a good thing that they didn’t have social media than like we have, and all the doomsday prophets keep telling us that all the signs point to Jesus coming soon. In our baptism our parents or we made promises that we will grow up to have faith in Christ Jesus. Not a faith that can be shaken by doubt, but a faith that endures, even in the face of doubt. Faith has to do with commitment and trust. Paul is reminding us of the sure and certain hope we claim as followers of Jesus! But hope can be fleeting, and sometimes it seems like the tiniest challenge can shatter our hope. How does the Bible say we should handle bad news? The one-word answer is hope. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast. You are not called to sit and wait idly for Jesus to come again. You are not called to be afraid that you might have missed it. You are called to action. These words are good news, to comfort and encourage you so that you will be strengthened in every good word and work.
The words from the ending of last week’s Epistle 2 Thessalonians 1: 11-12 are also very fitting to end this week’s reflection. “To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ”.
Let us Pray: Dear Lord, we pray in your name that when you return all things will be put right. The world will know you again as the Savior of the world and all will again respect your Holy Name. This we pray in the Name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 