In Conclusion

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 ESV). I am always amused when speaks use the phrase “in conclusion.” It reminds me of an old story of two boys in church. One of them had never been before. He asked many questions of his friends concerning the traditions and behavior during the worship. His friend patiently explained everything as best as he knew. However, after all the singing, the pastor walked to the pulpit, took his watch off and laid it on the pulpit. The young boy asked, “What does that mean?” His friend simply answered, “Nothing. He never looks at that thing!” Paul has tried to summarize several times before these last verses. I frankly think he ran out of papyrus and just comes to an end. These concluding sentences do form a wonderful benediction, both for his original audience and us as well. The parting words here are not last-minute reminders to the gathered community in Thessalonica. They’re not tacked on like a “P.S.—I almost forgot to add . . .” No, this closing blessing is a crucial summons to stay strong in the faith. Paul is summarizing the main message of all that he’s tried to communicate to the Thessalonians. He wants them to remember that the God they know in Jesus is a God of peace, who has the power to sanctify them and make them into the people they are called to be. He wants them to remember that being a Christian is not just about how to live in the here and now but is forward-looking, always scanning the horizon for what God has in store. He wants them to live blameless lives and to know that they can do so through the power of Christ, who demonstrated how to live blamelessly and faithfully in relationship with God the Father. Those are some parting words that should stay with us as well. Wherever you are, whether you are in the midst of affliction or exultation, may you be encouraged and uplifted in your faith, renewed in hope and in the knowledge of a God who will see you through to the fullness of the reign of Jesus Christ. Think of others that are also traveling this journey. Pray for them; tell them of your encouragement through the days. We are all in this process of coming to a conclusion; it is always easier to get there knowing someone else is walking with us. Just a short note to say you are thinking of them goes a long way to help us persevere in the times that are most challenging. I know it means the world to me when someone just says they have prayed for me. Try it today!