1 Thessalonians
I have been reading through the bible in the mornings, and the other day I found myself in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. It’s such an interesting couple of books. Paul is encouraging the people of Thessalonica, telling them how proud he was of them. He also wants to make sure that they aren’t confused about Christ’s second coming, which some have said already happened. Obviously, this left many wondering, “How in the world did we miss that?” Thankfully, Paul clears things up for them and explains to them that when Jesus comes again, we’ll all know. Not to worry. People all around the world will know.
Contemporary communication and the times we live in
When you stop and think about that, it is hard not to think about the fact that right now, we can know what is happening half way around the world and we often take it for granted. If we didn’t know right away what was happening, we’d be upset it was taking so long. We are living in such a unique time in world history. Years ago, it would take weeks, months, or even years to get information from far off places. But not anymore. Does that mean Jesus is coming soon? I don’t know, but I have a feeling He’s saddling up His white horse.
Another unique aspect of world history we are living in right now is of course, C@VID. Sort of obvious, right? It’s not just here in America that we are struggling trying to figure things out. It’s literally all over the world, and we know it because of the lightning speed of communication. Australia is on lockdown in several areas and it has turned into a dystopian nightmare. And we thought it was bad here! No guarantees it won’t deteriorate to that level of insanity at some point in the future, but thankfully we have the second amendment to help protect us from going down that path too far.
Recently, in another part of the world, it has been Afghanistan in the news. And it continues on even as I write this post. There, it’s not about a sickness. Instead, Islamic extremists who are now in power are killing anyone or anything that may have opposed them in the past or who don’t line up with their ideology or religion. You have a bible app on your phone? They will kill you. You have a military ID? You will have a target on your back. Worked for the UN? Not good. It is heartbreaking and hard to comprehend from our Western bubble. Although Afghanistan seems so far removed from the U.S., the repercussions from the sudden and botched pull out of American troops are sending shock waves around the world. And it seems as if these repercussions are far from over.
“Peace and safety”
Paul tells the Thessalonians that in the end times, “While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape,” (1 Thess 5:3). I had never given that verse a second thought to be honest, but all of a sudden, it dawned on me. Have I ever seen that phrase before in the bible: “Peace and safety”? Look it up, it’s not there. “Greetings” or “peace be with you” or just straight up “Peace,” but not “peace and safety.” Interesting, right? Why is safety thrown in there?
Right now, we have no peace. Just look at Afghanistan. And right now, we have no safety. Just look at Australia. But it isn’t hard to imagine how in the name of “Peace and safety,” people may be coerced into doing things that they wouldn’t rationally do in a different situation, or at a different time. People around the world, but especially here in America, just want to be left alone and be safe. We’re actually obsessed with “safety.” And we’ll do anything to get back to some sense of normalcy. Anything, even if it makes zero sense. “Just make us safe again and make the craziness stop” is the common sentiment.
No turning back
But the thing is, there’s no going back. We may think we are heading towards “Peace and safety,” but remember Paul’s words. While we wait for the powers that be to say “Peace and safety” as described in 1 Thessalonians, we must use the time wisely and for God’s ultimate glory. I pray we all have strength to stand on God’s Truth and warn people of the coming destruction. Not to scare anyone but to warn them.
There is something so much better than peace and safety. In a word, Jesus. He is our peace, no doubt, but His peace doesn’t look like the world’s. His peace persists even when chaos and anarchy abound. And He is definitely not safe. But He is good. He is allowing His Bride to be purified and sanctified.
Church, stand firm and keep shining for Christ.
