I “told” Tori we could sleep in this morning. As I begin to read this morning and type these words, it’s 6:34 am. I’m up and showered, Tori has been out and fed, and laundry is in the washer. That worked splendidly (sarcasm).
We’ve made it to the last chapter of 1 Thessalonians. We have the long “Dear Thessalonians,” the walk down memory lane, the “I miss you and long to see you again” chapter, and, finally, a bit of practical, albeit vague, instruction yesterday from chapter 4 (“do more and more”). And, now, the letter ends.
By now, it feels like Paul must be building toward some great dramatic conclusion. Surely we’re about to get the theological equivalent of fireworks. And in an unexpected way, we do.
Paul’s beginning words follow where we left off in yesterday’s meditation,, with thoughts on the coming of the Lord. Paul warns that when Jesus comes again, he will arrive “like a thief in the night.” With that uncertainty, what is our responsibility? Stay awake. Be ready. Live as children of the light.
His words carry a sense of urgency that comes through even today. And yet, these words were written over 2,000 years ago. I think it’s harder for us to grasp that reality and live with the belief that Jesus could return any time. The days have turned into years, and the years into centuries. But the truth is unchanged – the thief in the night can still come at any time and we need to be ready.
And then suddenly the letter comes to an end. But not before Paul turns into someone rapidly dictating final reminders before running out the door. It reads a bit like Paul looked down at the length of the scroll and thought, “Oh no, I’m out of space”—quick, write down everything important!
There’s an almost charming randomness to it. Big themes mixed with practical wisdom. Hope alongside faithfulness. But maybe that’s the point. The Christian life is lived between the spectacular and the everyday.
Yes, Christ is coming again. Yes, history is moving toward God’s redemption. But in the meantime, faithfulness looks surprisingly ordinary.
Be at peace among yourselves. Encourage one another. Pray often. Be patient. Rejoice always. Give thanks. Don’t repay evil for evil. Hold onto what is good.
And then comes the beautiful benediction: “May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for me … The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
Paul ends where he began—with God’s faithfulness. In the end, 1 Thessalonians is one of Paul’s most comforting letters. Because, if we’re honest, some days we’re doing well just to find matching socks and remember where we left our keys. But Paul’s confidence is not ultimately in himself, in the people receiving his letter, or in us reading it centuries later. It’s in God’s faithfulness and ability to finish what He started.
“The one who calls you is faithful.”
That may be the quiet center of the whole letter. Paul doesn’t conclude with thunder. He concludes with hope. Live faithfully. Encourage one another. Trust God.
Prayer: Faithful God, help me to live as a child of light—awake to your presence, steady in hope, and faithful in ordinary acts of love. Teach me to rejoice, pray, encourage, and give thanks, trusting not in my own strength but in your faithfulness to complete your work in me. Amen.
