Waiting Together

Paul’s two letters to the Thessalonians are the only letters in which Paul does not characterize himself as “apostle” or “servant” of Jesus Christ. He seems to stand side-by-side with his two companions Silvanus and Timothy. There are many explanations of this. The most feasible explanation,  when the three of them first visited the Thessalonians and converted them they had presented themselves as co-missionaries and thus Paul writes for the group. We also do not know the exact reason for this letter. Is Paul responding to a letter that the Thessalonians sent to him? Or is he responding to a first-hand report from someone who just came from the Thessalonians? What we can surmise is that Paul had been worried about them, possibly hearing rumors that they may have been slipping away from the faith. The first part of this letter is a rejoicing that was not true. In fact, it seems that not only were they strong in faith but they themselves were proclaiming the Gospel to others in and about Thessalonica. For that Paul and his companions rejoice. Later on in the letter Paul does answer some questions of the Thessalonians. The primary one was a question about those who had died: Would they be among those saved when Jesus returns? Paul received this question because early on the church and Paul believed that Christ would return in their lifetime. Paul’s answer is that when Christ returns, those who have died will be the first to be gathered into God’s kingdom. The text we read today is Paul’s prayer that in this time  of waiting for Jesus’ return that they remain steadfast in faith.

That should be our prayer as well. There are so many things that vie for our attention. Especially in this time. We realize that in two days it will be December. And we all know what December brings – great expectations. There are presents to buy, another meal around which to gather our families, trips to plan, all with the uncertainty of our time. You know the routine. You have allowed the worries and expectations to get to you before. Promising not to let it happen again you find yourself back to where you have been before. To us, Paul reminds us that this feverish time need not be so. Compared to the Thessalonians you have little to worry about and so much to be thankful for. You are not being persecuted and you have been given abundantly from God. And still you look down at the things around your feet instead of up at Jesus, who upon the cross, made you to be like him.

Now we are called to answer Jesus’ call as the Thessalonians did by proclaiming God’s gift of Jesus to all the world. But unlike all those other preparations for Christmas we do not do this by ourselves but together. That may actually be the answer to why Paul did not set himself apart with his word. He wanted to make sure the Thessalonians (and we) got the message. The gift of Christmas is that we are called into the family of God. Together we can become the servants of Christ Jesus to all the world. Take time this year each and every day to ponder the wonders that God has given you. Ask in prayerful deliberation what your role is to be in this great family – the Body of Christ.