1 Thessalonians 5
1 Thessalonians 5:1-28
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor 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. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Though there are ample reasons in the natural for a heightened awareness of the end’s nearness, there is a spiritual perception for those who are children of the light that should bring a greater understanding of the need to be living in a way that is appropriate. Even in these extreme times, there is a tendency to be drawn into repose and slumber if the darkness of the world is allowed to consume us in any way. Those detrimental attitudes and affections that can easily influence our emotions and actions toward each other will be disabled and kept from putting us to sleep as we remain in the presence of the Lord, preserved in purity by Him. Even though this is a work of the Spirit, something that is ours as a new creation in Him, there is yet an apparent need to describe what it will look and sound like. We’ve been told that we’re free from any dictates at all, but here is a list of dos and don’ts that must be evidenced in the lives of those who claim citizenship in the kingdom of Light. The law of love seems to have many sub-descriptions that will be shown in its mature walk. To lose our life and for Christ to be the one living inside means that we/He will engage in no evil activity that would defile His temple or harm any other members of that temple in any way. Walking with Him is the key, producing a consecrated life, unaffected by the condemnation His blood has freed us from. No matter the circumstances around us, we’ve been liberated to live awake and separated completely from the power of darkness and its day of wrath.
There is just so much here in this chapter I almost don’t even know where to start! From knowing the seasons, to being alert and sober, to esteeming, acknowledging, and appreciating our pastors above us, to abstaining from all appearances of evil; there’s just so many amazing things that we could go with!!
I think each and everyone of these points could have their own day to delve into and study and meditate on, but for me today, what really captivated me was verse 16, but in the passion translation.
It says, “Let JOY be your continual feast.”
When I think of a feast, I think of the preparation that goes into it, the anticipation and excitement to be able to take part in it, the enjoyment of every morsel that has been prepared. It’s not some thing that just happens on accident, or without preparation.
Just being completely transparent, I turned 40 this week, and when I think about that, I see areas of my life that I had envisioned being so much more than it is now. I am still waiting for fulfillment of promises in many areas, and while I am still standing on those things, it does give opportunity to look at where I am in my life and feel less than Joy. And so this is my first for this time, to let joy be my continual feast. Even when I don’t see a house in the future at the moment, or when I struggle with relationships, or when I look at the bank account, or when I am not feeling like, I’m walking in what I’m called to be yet, I will prepare for and feast on joy. This has been a timely reminder for me today.