Sunday 23rd March
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:25-28
“Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (NIVUK)
How important are the basic Christian disciplines in your life? Prayer, hospitality and the study of God’s word? Paul finishes his letter with some words of encouragement, sometimes quite firm ones!
Paul has told them twice how he is praying for them and asks that they in turn remember him in their prayers (v25). He earnestly asks that his greetings be passed on as if he is physically there (v26). Finally, in an injunction that is surprisingly firm and has resulted in lots of theories, he charges them – the Greek is quite solemn – to ensure that everyone hears the letter. Even at this early stage of the Christian church Paul knows the importance of his words. He knows they impart grace and therefore must be heard by everyone – those who may have differing views to him, and those who share his views.
It is not too late to start a Scripture reading plan yourself if you have not yet begun. Paul’s solemn injunction to the church in Thessalonica is just as critical today. Why not start one together with someone else?
