What is your hope?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

God gave good advice through the apostle Paul to the Christians in Thessaloniki. The church there did not have it easy because there were many who spoke against them and mocked them. However, this first took place when they separated themselves from their religious tradition due to them name of Jesus and their salvation. Today, it is not much different.

Why did they rejoice when the world is against them? It is quite simple - the glory of Jesus was awaiting them. Today, almost 2000 years later, there are only ruins there, where once houses and synagogues stood; the grass grows over it, a few trees are standing there. Here and there is an old stone, broken, a replica of the past.

This place which is so silent and seems so unimportant, will be moved one day. The graves in which the believers lay will open up, the earth over them must give way, stones and rocks will break and the dead in Christ, the despised and the persecuted of this world will now resurrect and be with Jesus for all eternity!

Where are the mockers now? Their graves are still shut up, the earth and the rocks over them have still not moved. They were not chosen by God. These dead must wait a 1000 years, in order to stand before the One who they despised and persecuted. This is not an illusion, nor a dream, nor fantasy, but rather it is a WORD from God. An event which will see its fulfilment, for it is predetermined by God. And who will stop HIM? No one, of course.

Paul did not look at the present circumstances - just the things of the day. While he worked, he looked up to the one who would be coming, Jesus of Nazareth; who we also serve because we love Him.

Where are mockers now and where are the hypocrites? They are still laying in their graves and have no more hope for forgiveness and salvation. God will not be mocked. But whoever serves Him faithfully, he will be helped and set on his feet by Him. Paul knew that, and that was the reason why he gave advice to his brothers and sisters there; for Paul himself was also familiar with having needs, worries and fears.

Rejoice at all times, pray without ceasing, be thankful in all things for it is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you, ... do not quench the Spirit.

Do you have this hope or will you be among those who will be lost? If not, then go ahead and be obedient to the whole gospel of the apostle Jesus. For more information, write to us, or come to our worship services. (rw)