Therefore Encourage and Build Up One Another

This meditation is based on a passage for December 6, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Reflection and Question: The notion that Jesus’ return would be soon and would come “like a thief in the night” was clearly prevalent in the first churches. There are many instances of warnings like this one for the believers to stay ready for that “day of the Lord.” Two thousand years later, while the confidence in “soon” has fallen away the call for remaining vigilant for the presence and action of God in Christ remains. We still need to “keep awake and be sober.” Most important, we need to “encourage one another and build up each other” as we wait. How do you encourage and build up others?

Prayer: God of Love, we thank You that You have destined us for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. May all we do and say confirm that we are children of light. May faith, love and hope shine forth from us in this waiting time. Amen.