Post by VR on Jul 7, 2016 5:16:38 GMT
EVENING | PAULINE EPISTLES | BOOK 53 of 66 | 2 THESSALONIANS 3
Signpost Words | ‘NO LAZINESS-NO LOLLING ABOUT’
Some Observations |
Ever practical, Paul finishes his epistle by pointing to the fact that preparation means work. Idleness will not help preparation and vacuous voices will not validate the message of the Gospel. Withdraw from lazy people. If a man shall not work, he shall not eat.
Now what is the chief desire of the great apostle as encapsulated by his ardent prayer requests. Is it for social reconciliation? It is not. Is it for understanding among varying religious communities. It is not. Is it for ecumenical unity at any price? It is not. Is it that we would become the sweet sugar of our communities? It is not. No, rather, we need to be salty, indeed, we need to be somewhat sour! Paul’s prayer is very simply that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly, and may have free course like a running and loving man delivering sour wine to a thirsty, parched and dying man by whatever means he can, even if it’s a well soaked up dripping sponge on a long dry and lifted pole.
A Call To Action |
Make sure the Word of God is running swiftly and with free course.
Signpost Words | ‘NO LAZINESS-NO LOLLING ABOUT’
Highlight Verses | 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. NKJV
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. NKJV
Ever practical, Paul finishes his epistle by pointing to the fact that preparation means work. Idleness will not help preparation and vacuous voices will not validate the message of the Gospel. Withdraw from lazy people. If a man shall not work, he shall not eat.
Now what is the chief desire of the great apostle as encapsulated by his ardent prayer requests. Is it for social reconciliation? It is not. Is it for understanding among varying religious communities. It is not. Is it for ecumenical unity at any price? It is not. Is it that we would become the sweet sugar of our communities? It is not. No, rather, we need to be salty, indeed, we need to be somewhat sour! Paul’s prayer is very simply that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly, and may have free course like a running and loving man delivering sour wine to a thirsty, parched and dying man by whatever means he can, even if it’s a well soaked up dripping sponge on a long dry and lifted pole.
A Call To Action |
Make sure the Word of God is running swiftly and with free course.