Day 283 – 1 Thessalonians: Introduction
“For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14 NLT
Death, the enemy, tears bonded relationships of family and friends, leaving only memories, tears, and loneliness. But like a golden shaft of sun piercing the winder sky, a singular truth shatters the oppressive gloom: death is not the end! Christ is the victor over death, and there is the hope of resurrection through him.
As with every member of the human family, first-century Christians came face-to-face with their mortality. Many of them met early deaths at the hands of those who hated Christ and all allied with Him.
Paul established the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey (about AD 51). He wrote this epistle shortly after to encourage young believers. He wanted to assure them of his love, praise them for their faithfulness during persecution, and remind them of their hope – the sure return of their Lord and Savior.
Throughout these pages are a handful of reminders on how to prepare themselves for the Second Coming: Respect those in leadership, live peacefully together, warn those who are lazy, encourage those who are timid, help those who are weak, be patient with everyone, be kind to everyone, be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, test everything that is taught, and avoid evil. Some reminders for us today, because the moral compass of Jesus and the Truth of God’s word never changed – the world did.
Prayer: Father, thank You for these precious reminders You shared through Paul and that we can stand steadfast on our faith even in death. May this epistle be uplifting and a beacon of light, illuminating our hope. Amen.
