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Stay Awake! Be Prepared! (2/15/26)
This week’s lesson closes out these reflections on Paul first letter to the Thessalonians. The apostle speaks again of the coming again of Christ. As we wait for that Good Day, we are to be patient and helpful with all (vv. 14-15). We are to live a life of thanksgiving (v. 18). We are to refrain from evil (v. 22). We are to share this word with all (v. 27).
Earlier today, a friend of mine said he was going to come to visit me tonight. So, I made sure I had on hand his favorite diet drink, a magazine I knew he enjoyed, and had the TV set on the game I knew he would want to watch. It worked. We had a delightful time.
But, suppose I had not known when he was going to come. Would I have had the caffeine-free Diet Coke in the refrigerator? Would I have pulled Our State magazine off the rack? Would I have bothered to find out which channel was carrying his ball game?
The apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they do not know when the Lord will return (v. 2). They simply must be prepared at all times—day or night. Always keep caffeine-free Diet Coke in the refrigerator! We stay prepared for our Lord’s return by wearing the breastplate of faith and love (v. 8). We stay prepared for the Lord’s return by the way we live with (and for) each other (vv. 11-15). We stay prepared for the Lord’s return by accepting the peace of assurance that God will give us (v. 23).
Today I went to a nearby library to cast my votes in the early voting of the upcoming General Election. I was astonished that even though the signs pointed the way (“Vote Here”), there was no one in line. Usually in early voting, I take my place at the back of a slowly moving line. Maybe I had hit the timing jackpot! I reached for the door that would lead to the voting booths. The door was locked. I tried another door. It was locked. As I turned in mystery, a woman opened her car door, stepped out and said, “If you are looking for early voting, it starts tomorrow.” I wanted it today, but it comes tomorrow. I’ll be ready.
Will I be ready for the “tomorrow” of our Lord’s return?
What Someone Else Has Said: Bruce Metzger (Breaking the Code, Abingdon) wrote: “…the central truth… is the clear and direct affirmation: Christ will return, as he had promised, and will destroy the forces of evil and establish God’s eternal kingdom.”
Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus! Help me to live with the joy of expectancy. Help me to live with the opportunity of present-day serving…”
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By NC Conference of The UMCThis week’s lesson closes out these reflections on Paul first letter to the Thessalonians. The apostle speaks again of the coming again of Christ. As we wait for that Good Day, we are to be patient and helpful with all (vv. 14-15). We are to live a life of thanksgiving (v. 18). We are to refrain from evil (v. 22). We are to share this word with all (v. 27).
Earlier today, a friend of mine said he was going to come to visit me tonight. So, I made sure I had on hand his favorite diet drink, a magazine I knew he enjoyed, and had the TV set on the game I knew he would want to watch. It worked. We had a delightful time.
But, suppose I had not known when he was going to come. Would I have had the caffeine-free Diet Coke in the refrigerator? Would I have pulled Our State magazine off the rack? Would I have bothered to find out which channel was carrying his ball game?
The apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they do not know when the Lord will return (v. 2). They simply must be prepared at all times—day or night. Always keep caffeine-free Diet Coke in the refrigerator! We stay prepared for our Lord’s return by wearing the breastplate of faith and love (v. 8). We stay prepared for the Lord’s return by the way we live with (and for) each other (vv. 11-15). We stay prepared for the Lord’s return by accepting the peace of assurance that God will give us (v. 23).
Today I went to a nearby library to cast my votes in the early voting of the upcoming General Election. I was astonished that even though the signs pointed the way (“Vote Here”), there was no one in line. Usually in early voting, I take my place at the back of a slowly moving line. Maybe I had hit the timing jackpot! I reached for the door that would lead to the voting booths. The door was locked. I tried another door. It was locked. As I turned in mystery, a woman opened her car door, stepped out and said, “If you are looking for early voting, it starts tomorrow.” I wanted it today, but it comes tomorrow. I’ll be ready.
Will I be ready for the “tomorrow” of our Lord’s return?
What Someone Else Has Said: Bruce Metzger (Breaking the Code, Abingdon) wrote: “…the central truth… is the clear and direct affirmation: Christ will return, as he had promised, and will destroy the forces of evil and establish God’s eternal kingdom.”
Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus! Help me to live with the joy of expectancy. Help me to live with the opportunity of present-day serving…”