| 1 Thessalonians 5:7-11 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. The Bible talks about the second coming of Christ, not to scare us, but to warn us to be alert and selfcontrolled. Once I was in the state of Virginia and touring some caves. The tour guide kept reminding us to be careful, not to frighten us, but because when we are at the bottom of the cave, he started playing music. Wow! That was such a beautiful melody. Within the cave, the music was especially beautiful. At that time, I felt that all my efforts of being careful were worthwhile. In the same way, the Bible talks about the second coming of the Lord, not to frighten us, but for us to be alert. On the other hand, the Bible teaches us the truth about the Lord's coming, not for us to give up our practical responsibilities our life. In the past, there were people who knew that the Lord was coming back, so they went up to the mountains, hiding and waiting. This is not God's will. The Lord will want us to live our normal lives while we wait on Him. Hence, Paul in verse 11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." I love the part that says "just as in fact you are doing". This phrase does not mean running away, or giving up your daily responsibilities. Just like after the 911 incident, the best retaliation for terrorists is resuming a normal life, not allowing them to impact our lives. In the same way, the best way to live in anticipation of the Lord's return, is to return to our normal lives to be a glorious witness for the Lord. Let us encourage one another and build each other up, so that we can run this race together and the non-believers will see our life testimony and turn to God. May the Lord help us to be alert as we wait upon the Lord's return. Pray with Pastor Tong Liu 
Lord, I thank you because I know that you are coming soon. May you help us to be alert in our daily lives and live out your glory. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen! |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.