Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians resonates with us today. It was a tiny little Christian community, almost brand-new, in the heart of a bustling pagan city—a port city on a major highway in ancient Greece. All kinds of people were present in Thessalonica: sailors and merchants, Romans and Egyptians, a Jewish community, and others from all over the Mediterranean world...
And there was a small group of Christians. The gospel had been brought there by Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, who weren’t there for very long before opponents ran them out of town. So, it was to this ragtag band of new Christian Thessalonians Paul addressed his letter of encouragement. They were struggling to remain viable, challenged to find their voice in the larger culture, in the midst of an indifferent, even hostile setting. In that letter, we read about God’s attitude toward that motley collection of early Christians. We discover that they are not at all unimportant as they may think of themselves. Indeed, says Paul, their existence and purpose are crucial to God! Why? It’s because God has chosen them to be leaders; to help change the world.
Could we see ourselves like the Thessalonians? Do you think it could be possible that God has also chosen people like us witnessing first hand a diminishing public interest in living the faith as we have known it in an ever more secular society suffering a pandemic?
In spite of the fact that being an active Christian these days is seen as less and less attractive to many, can we, who remain, still insist God has chosen us? My answer is a resounding, yes! I believe God has chosen us to live and speak God’s Word in a modern age that is not readily receptive to God’s message. In fact, in many ways has written off faith as archaic and irrelevant in our day. Like the Thessalonians, we’ve been chosen by God to share the good news centred in Jesus Christ. We’ve been chosen to do the work of faith—that is, to live as faithful people live, serving God and others. In the midst of the world suffering its worst Pandemic in a century, we’ve been chosen to live in steadfast hope—holding firm to the promises of God made real in Christ, even when appearances suggest it’s ludicrous to do so. We’ve been chosen, as Paul reminded the Thessalonians, to live as an example; not just to speak God’s Word but perhaps, most importantly, in a world often misled and increasingly moving toward hatred and division, to live God’s commandment that we love one-another and build a caring community that embraces all.
This death-dealing health crisis, horrific as it is, is also an opportunity. We can demonstrate that love and mutual respect still makes a difference. As we carefully move to reopen our worship services, following carefully the scientific advice as to how we can do so safely by social distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing our hands and gathering spaces frequently, we show how love heals and builds community. But there are still more opportunities presented by God to us. There are so many new people in need. Reaching out to lonely neighbours; showing our appreciation to front line workers in health care, teaching, and child care, as well as aiding front line organizations like Food Banks to fight hunger, and the Salvation Army - homelessness all show God’s love in action.
Learning new ways to get together virtually are talents we didn’t know we could develop but are making a positive difference. Last week I presided at a funeral for a local family and read out a wonderful tribute to the deceased by a granddaughter living in Australia who could be with us at the funeral by a virtual connection.
So, make no mistake, folks! God has chosen us to serve by showing the world what a difference living love makes. The Pandemic is here for a while, but God’s call and love for all is eternal. What good news that is! And now, it is up to each of us to respond with faith and generosity!
Rev Ray Purdie, St, Andrew’s United Church Imperial.
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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.