We can live our present lives with tremendous courage and a remarkably light heart, knowing that our ultimate future is completely secure in the hands of a God who raises the dead. The worst thing that can ever happen to us is no longer the last thing that will happen to us, because the brilliant light of Easter morning has already broken over the horizon.
In 1 Thessalonians, we are reminded that the Christian life was never promised to be a gentle stroll through a pristine garden of peace, harmony and well-being, and the Thessalonian church certainly understood the harsh reality of facing sudden affliction. In the third chapter of his letter, Paul expresses his immense relief upon hearing that this young and fervent congregation has remained firm in the face of severe trials from the city folk who still clung to the pagan religions of the time and saw everyone who didn’t adhere as being an outsider and a risk to the security and stability offered by the Romans.
There is a rather noticeable shift in tone when we move into the second chapter of 1 Thessalonians, where Paul describes his ministry among the believers with surprising gentleness, the tenderness of a nursing mother. He paints a picture of Christian fellowship that goes far beyond the transmission of and coherent community around theological information…
It is fascinating to see how faith, love and hope are not presented as abstract feelings or mere intellectual agreements, but rather as deeply physical, active realities that shape the daily existence of the church.
Paul elevates love and he does this crucially not by diminishing faith and hope, but by highlighting their temporal nature in comparison to love’s eternal character.
Following Jesus is most likely not going to make you wealthy, it doesn’t guarantee that you’re going to be healthy but the message here and in the Gospel is that Jesus is enough. Following Christ will not mean that everything goes right, but following Him means that you know, that you acknowledge and accept that He is enough no matter what.
” that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
The brilliance of Cranmer’s “Collect for Purity” reaches its magnificent summit in the final clauses of the prayer, moving the worshipper from a posture of desperate confession into a breath-taking vision of holy devotion.
“cleanse the thoughts of our hearts”
Just as the Spirit of God hovered over the chaotic waters at the dawn of creation to bring forth life and order, we are asking that same Holy Spirit to hover over the chaotic waters of our internal thoughts.
“all hearts are open…”
We are remarkably adept at dressing up our selfish ambitions in highly pious language, perhaps trying to convince both ourselves and our fellow parishioners that our desperate prayer for a lucrative promotion is solely so we might give more to the church building fund, when Jesus is perfectly aware we simply fancy a slightly nicer car.