Proper 28: Epistle, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13                             

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Funny it is that many consider the Bible a book of myths, stories, tales, and instruction far away from the steps we leave in the dust each day. How silly that assessment is. Of course, for anyone remotely involved in the regular practice of reading God’s speech, for that is what the Bible is, they know how very “real world” the Bible is. Our epistle reading for this week as we inch nearer the end of the church year is practical. And powerful.

From the pen of the great apostle this warning: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” Now, context is important so I encourage you to read our text perhaps even including the entire third chapter. Paul loves the Thessalonians. He loves them so much that he includes difficult truths. He always does. Some in the congregation are so taken awaiting the sure return of the Savior from heaven (about which Paul has faithfully instructed them), that they have taken to stepping away from the daily grind. They have become a burden to the congregation and some even expect to be taken care of by those who are still busy. Paul has no space for them. Paul sets himself before them as both an example taken up with the glories of their future in Christ, but also with the real world necessities of witness and care. Do your work. Stay busy in order to serve those truly in need and to not fall to the perils of idleness.

The Bible is an everyday book. It is given to us to be read everyday, to be heard everyday, to be lived everyday that we might see our Savior. Everyday.