I began writing this last weekend and never got a chance to finish and send it. Then throughout the week, so many things that I saw or heard were all along the same lines, including David’s message on Wednesday night. I guess when God wants to get his message across — he makes sure he gets his message across.
First Thessalonians 4:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Before I go on, go back and read that again with an emphasis on those words in bold.
That’s hard to do isn’t it? Rejoice always?! God, do you mean always, always….or just sometimes, always?? Even during this time of complete uncertainty? In this time when so many are sick and dying? Pray without ceasing?! How is this even possible? In everything give thanks?! God, do you truly mean “everything”?! As in, EVERYTHING?! As in COVID-19, everything? As in a world turned upside down, everything?!
Makes us stop and think, doesn’t it? It surely gives me pause. I think now, more than ever, the relevance of this passage from Paul should guide us each day — especially knowing the world (of non-believers) is watching, is searching, is yearning for peace and guidance in the midst of chaos.
As I was reading this passage, I started looking at the notes and dates that i’ve written over the years. One as far back as 1995 — 25 years ago. Another from a pastor in another part of the country, and several from Dr. Brooks — from the new and old Calvary sanctuary. As I thought about all of those different times in my life, different churches, different buildings, different circumstances completely — there is one constant that shines through; that no matter where I was, or what was going on, God’s will was always, continues to be, and will always be, for us to live a life that glorifies Him and to live that life in such a way that we are a witness to those around us. Kinda like Hebrews 13:8. (I’ll let you look that one up if you don’t know it.)
So in a time where our churches are closed, when we can’t physically gather to worship, when the world as we know it has halted, how do we rejoice? How can we be thankful in a time such as this?
Here’s the key, and it’s very simple. WE are the church.
You’re thinking — yes, this is true, but how is that the key to rejoicing? The key for being thankful?
We can rejoice because the church is not closed. We can rejoice because God is the same God that’s been right there beside us through the good times and the bad. The same God who has led pastor after pastor to use this passage for encouragement of their church. We can be thankful that we have technology that allows us to “gather” and to reach others. We can be thankful because we have an opportunity like none we’ve ever experienced. The world is hurting. The world needs us. The world needs to see us, to see you and I, being the church. The world needs us to pray without ceasing.
If you could x-ray a church building, what would you see?
Maybe something like this? Just steel beams and girders. You don’t see the music, the worship leaders, the lessons, the teachers, the children, the laughter, the tears, the pastors, the holy spirit, the caring souls, the joy, and on and on and on. You don’t see those things because you and I make up all of that. Don’t get me wrong, our church buildings and facilities are important, and I can’t wait to the day that we can join back together, but in the meantime, let’s rejoice that we can continue to fellowship together…. let’s pray for each other, for those affected by COVID-19, and for the lost souls around us…. and let’s give thanks for the opportunity to reach a dying world.
Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks. These three exhortations are critical for nurturing the spiritual life of our church — of each of us.
