2 Thessalonians 3
Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3:11-13
We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Observation-What does it say?
Paul was addressing an issue among some in the church in Thessalonica - idleness. In the Matthew Henry Bible Commentary, Henry says, "It is probable that these persons had a notion (by misunderstanding some passages in the former epistle) concerning the near approach of the coming of Christ, which served them for a pretence to leave off the work of their callings, and live in idleness." In other words, Jesus is coming back soon, so we can just coast until then.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Jesus has saved us! But that is not the end of the story. He gave us a calling - to go out and make Him known. He doesn't want us to rest until the whole world knows about His love for them. Matthew 9:35-38: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Are we being spiritually idle, concerned only for our own salvation? Or will we accept our calling and get to work?
Life Application
Lord, change my self-centered heart and fill me with Your compassion for those that are harassed and helpless, sick and in need of You. Open my eyes to opportunities to share Your goodness with those I come in contact with. No more excuses - I'm too shy, that's not my gifting, others will do it - and help me, and all of us, to walk in our calling to know You and make You known.
-Debbie Dunn