That's Incredible

With our surprise inspection at work I couldn't help but think of a Bible verse that was a source of many lost hours of sleep when I was younger; "for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." (I Thessalonians 5:2) I was always convinced there was a burglar under my bed anyway with a knife poised to murder me, but having the Bible verify that fact was a little disconcerting! I realize I'm citing commentary from an imaginative youth, but you have to agree that verse is equal to "Rock A Bye Baby's" breaking bough as one of the most uncomfortable bedtime writings.... the thief verse still gives me the heebie-geebies...

Wait! After 30 years, instead of stopping at the verse that gives me such discomfort, I decided to read the entire fifth chapter of Thessalonians. And tonight I found the words that have come to anchor my weekly transition from Sunday worship to the start of a new week. It's incredible that the author included in the very same chapter, just a few thoughts away, what is now one of my most loved and affirming passages. Our Charge to the Congregation is based on the following verses from I Thessalonians and has become more than words printed on a page for our community. It's a united declaration of our stated intentions of how we will conduct ourselves throughout the week. Incredible. I've been robbed of my sentiment!

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (12-28)

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, As we study your word, let us be mindful of how young ears will interpret our stories of faith and that at times our illustrations may need to be carefully crafted to portray the enduring messages of grace, hope and persevering love. As we study your word, let us be mindful of including entire passages in place of individual verses. As we study your word again, let us be mindful of new words that touch our spirit even though we've heard the story a hundred times. Let us live the words that we claim as our tenet. Amen

Go forth into the world in peace, have courage, hold onto what is good,
return to no person evil for evil, strengthen the fainthearted,
support the weak, help the suffering,
honor all persons, love and serve the Lord,
Rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.