Continuing our study
of 1st Thessalonians…
Scripture: 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Thought for the Day: Here is a passage that might be a bit confusing to some. It is clear that early in Paul’s ministry, he believed in the imminent return of Jesus. It could happen any day. Since this was the first letter that Paul wrote, or at least the first we have, it portrays an early Pauline theology. Paul has certain expectations, that later in his career, won’t carry the same authority. In this passage, Paul was clearly stating that many who were alive in Thessalonica would still be alive at the return of Jesus. As far as I know, there is no one from 1st century Thessalonica who is still alive, so that was a mistaken point by Paul.
With that said, there is something else that should not get lost within Paul’s words. He was speaking to a very specific and difficult issue among the Thessalonians. Since they, like Paul, believed Jesus’ return was coming in their lifetime, what would that mean for those who had died in the period of waiting. Were they simply lost? This is where Paul the theologian became Paul the pastor. He responded to these heartfelt concerns with real compassion. In the end, he encouraged the Thessalonians to trust in God who would not let anyone, dead or alive, slip away from the divine reach.
Paul was still speaking theologically, but he was doing it with a pastor’s heart. He understood how destructive and unhelpful anxiety within the community could be. There was a recognition of just how difficult it would be for the Thessalonians to love as Christ had loved them if they were consumed by fear, the fear of death.
Think about it for a minute: when something is weighing heavy upon your heart, are you at your best? Are you able to offer your finest at work, home or among your friends? Probably not! Paul offered comfort, and though he might not have gotten the timing correct, he was correct when it came to the basic theological premise that there is nothing, including death, that can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).
Prayer: Could it be, O Lord, that I have gotten a few things wrong in my understanding of faith? Most definitely! But I pray that you will keep me connected to your love that bridges every divide, a love that can cover a myriad of mistakes. Amen.
1 thought on “Ecclesiological Etchings: 03-03-14”
This is beautiful, pastoral, and really spoke to me. Thank you!
Have a loving day!
Rev. Michael Junkroski, Sr. Minister
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Naples, FL
Worship at Etudes de Ballet 3285 Pine Ridge Road
Office at 1660 Trade Center Way, Suite 5 Naples, FL 34109 Phone: 239-514-5002