Third Sunday in Advent: Epistle, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24        

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

The apostle gives us things to do in the epistle for the week. Or does he? Yes, on the practical side the tasks given in this chapter of First Thessalonians are things for us to do. And we could end up getting rather bogged down because there are several things on the list. But they are all good things. Now, I’m not sure, although I can surmise that carrying out lists of good deeds, while wonderful and rejuvenating, can be a heavy burden for us. Unless. Unless we remember something very important. The One who charges us with wonderful works (cf. Ephesians 2:8-10) is the One who empowers us for their completion.

As Paul closes this epistle he reminds his readers that we can be sure the Lord of the Church is behind our efforts. This is how he assures us: “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (v. 24). Not maybe. Not He might if gets time. No. He is faithful and He WILL do it. God is faithful to His own Words of instruction. And He wants us to be about His Word even more than we do. 

In this season “of goodness and light,” as one of the carols reminds us, may we rejoice in the Lord. But may we also find places and spaces to rejoice in what He has shared with us, namely, living His life by loving our neighbor. And if you are sure you can’t do one more task, He will.