This is the second letter written by Paul to the new church in Thessalonica and is dated to early AD51, being written about a year after the first letter. This letter is full of positivity and encouragement to the fledgling Thessalonian church. At a time in our own nation’s history when we have been filled with negativity regarding our national future if we leave the EU, our media seems to delight in telling us what a terrible time we are in for and that financial meltdown is assured post Brexit. This type of emotion is not confined to our national state either. Individually we can sometimes be filled with negativity about our current personal situation too. At the beginning of this letter Paul starts with so much positivity and tells the church of their great reputation and progress. He continues by telling them of their assured places in heaven because of their obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Paul, as we saw in his first letter is proud of the new Christians in Thessalonica.

He goes further and affirms the fate that awaits those who reject Christ is to be shut out from the presence of God. When Jesus told the parable of the wedding banquet in Mathew 22, he spoke of those who were preoccupied with worldly things and too busy to attend the celebration of the wedding. When we are invited by our Lord to attend his wedding banquet I know I will drop anything and everything to be there. It’s going to be the banquet or party of all parties!!  Are you able to do the same?  Or are there other things in life that take priority?  Do you make worshipping and spending time with God an essential part of your day?  Do you spend time soaking in His spirit?  Are you willing to miss an episode of your favourite TV programme to do one of these things?  We should encourage one another just as Paul did the early church in Thessalonica to stand firm in our faith, which assured us of our place in glory with Him.

***

Lord Jesus help me to identify if I have placed anything before you and to remove it and make you the first and last thing in my life, now and forever Amen.