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. -1 Thessalonians 5:23
Anticipation. With it often comes anxiety. The Apostle Paul knew how to handle anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7) and he met it head-on with the God of peace (Philippians 4:9). Addressing anxiety was also the driving force behind his first letter to the church at Thessalonica.
While in Thessalonica, Paul taught on the imminent return of Christ, but after Paul had departed the city, believers began to die. Understandably, the church there became a bit anxious and wanted to understand what would happen when the Lord came again to those who had “fallen asleep.” No wonder Paul wrote about this great doctrine first. He believes in, and eagerly anticipates, Christ’s coming again, and that’s why it is the central theme of this epistle. Paul’s words provide clarity, comfort, and encouragement.
When Jesus came to Bethlehem, God’s people possessed instructions emanating from the Ten Commandments, mostly “do not do” in nature. But what was Paul’s emphasis to believers looking to Jesus’ return? The answer is found in Bible commentator J. Vernon McGee’s highlighting of twenty-two separate commandments (1 Thessalonians 5:10-28) that describe how Christians are to “live on a much higher plane.” Why does Paul give these to us? To help set us apart and sanctify us in preparation for His return. Paul spelled out practical actions for us to live out in anticipation of His coming.
Each year, in the busyness leading to the celebration of Christmas, we inevitably insert a lot of needless stress into our lives. Perhaps this is due to our attempt to meet unrealistic expectations, being what or where someone else wants, or maybe to host the unattainable perfect celebration. As we now prepare for His birth, may we anticipate in the way Paul describes, and in doing so, seek and experience the peace of God from the God of peace Himself. His peace is His desire for us—beginning with His birth, immediately following His resurrection, and remaining today until He comes for us. “…Amen. Come Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).
-Chuck Wolfe
