Apr 30, 2024
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:6-11).
Robby Robins was an Air Force pilot for the USA during the Gulf War in the 1990s. After his 300th mission, he was given permission to fly his plane home. After landing in Massachusetts his friends drove him to western Pennsylvania, arriving at his house just after sunrise. There was a big banner across the garage—"Welcome Home Dad!" Walking through the front door, he found his family dressed and ready for him. After the screams of excitement, he managed to ask, “How did you know?” “We didn't,” they chorused. “Once we knew the war was over, we knew you'd be home one of these days. We knew you'd try to surprise us, so we were ready every day.”
After some 2000 years, Jesus’ followers have become weary of waiting, of living in expectation of Christ’s return. Yet, that is how the Bible invites Christians to live. Like Robby’s family, we are to live expecting him any day. Living quiet, godly lives, contributing to the Christian community and to our society, we keep the banner welcoming Christ into his kingdom in good repair.
How do we do that? By encouraging and building one another up in the basics of the Christian faith. This is not a task reserved for the pastors and elders only. It is the responsibility of the community, the church. Of course, it also means that we are willing to be encouraged by others. Paul mentions several of these basic components here.
One, that our salvation is not rooted in anything within us. Nor is it dependent on our ability to keep the faith or to be salty or to keep our light uncovered. Rather, it is dependent on God’s appointment. God has saved us in Christ, and he will complete the work he has begun in us. Death is the punishment for sin. But Christ has died for us; we live. Physical death is not punishment for sin, nor can it keep us from experiencing Christ’s return. When he comes, we will live with him and experience the fullness of his words, “I have come to bring life in abundance”.
Two, put on the great triad of grace: faith, love, and hope. Since we are already in the light, having been saved, let us therefore live by the light. Paul uses the word sober to contrast drunkenness. His point is that we are self-controlled, disciplined. He is under no illusion that it is complicated to be a Christian. Faith in God’s saving work in Christ keeps us grounded, hope in Christ’s return keeps us moving forward, and love gives clarity to how we live our lives.
We cannot and will not miss his return. Do not be afraid of his coming. Live in expectation. Keep flying the banner that welcomes him home. Prepare for the party. Encourage one another.
As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it! The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you! (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24,28 The Message).