He Will Do It
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16. Rejoice always, 17. pray constantly, 18. give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19. Do not quench the Spirit, 20. do not despise prophesying, 21. but test everything; hold fast what is good, 22. abstain from every form of evil. 23. May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24. He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
The world today is so much more dangerous than it was 20 years ago! Have you heard that? Do you believe it? I’m not sure if I do or not. I do know that with the 24-hour news cycle we hear immediately when any threat to our safety—as individuals, as a country, a continent, world or planet—is broadcast in hundreds of languages. And there does seem to be greater sense of urgency and concern about the world situation now than when I was a teenager (somewhat more than 20 years ago!)
But I wonder if the old adage “ignorance is bliss” isn’t really what comes into play here?! When I’m traveling overnight, I listen to cd’s or tapes in the car, watch only local news on the tv and usually take advantage of the quiet “alone” time to read, reflect, pray, write overdue notes to friends. I don’t stay tuned in to the latest “crisis.” And as soon as I get home I’m brought up to speed by my family on everything I missed!
But I think if we spent more time reflecting upon verses 16-22, we would be less worried, less fearful, less certain of impending end of the world as we know it! Through prayer and reflection upon how very blessed we are—as individuals, as a country, as a world—we are able to rejoice always. When we think of a God who loves us—though we do not deserve it, it’s less difficult to give thanks—even in a difficult situation.
Jesus came to tell us that God sanctifies us through the unspeakable sacrifice of his son. He became man so that we could see how it looks to walk blameless and faithfully upon this earth. If we rely on God’s strength, God’s mercy, God’s love, we will indeed find peace within ourselves and on the earth. We will be sanctified through the purity of the sin offering hung on a cross for us. We must test everything though, and pray to ensure that what we hear is God’s message—not Satan using tools of technology!
God calls us to be faithful. When we respond in obedience, when we turn over “the world” and everything going on in it to Him and to His will, our spirit and our soul is kept sound and blameless. Pray constantly. Test everything. Trust God. Give thanks.
I hope you spend today rejoicing that the will of God gave you life and breath and a heart and a soul to serve him. And that you are sanctified through and through as you go into the world today.
Mary
