Saturday, November 19, 2022  

Today’s Scripture Reading
2 Thessalonians 3:6–13

Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right. (NRSV)

Reflection

The Protestant Reformation began in many ways on the heels of an information revolution. There was the advent of the printing press for sure, but also of newspapers, which began more like newsletters (think of a hard copy version of the increasingly popular writing journalistic platform Substack). One of the early challenges for such publications was the quality of the news given. Sometimes reports of battles lost had to be reversed. Sometimes the presence of an important visitor in town needed more context than was offered in the tiny pages to be understood. Not every voice was a reliable one or objective.

The problem has not gone away, of course, though centuries of institution building has made journalism more reliable as it has become indispensable. Now we find ourselves in a time when the age of social media has made discerning the intentions and credibility of sources difficult, and we miss the mediators and editors who were clearer about such matters. But the question of the source of truth has been one that has troubled Christian witness for ages, especially in Paul’s time as the early church began sketching out its understanding of faith. So this appeal to the church in Thessalonica to not be shaken or alarmed by those who would lead their understanding of Christ’s return astray is particularly poignant in our times. Attributed to Paul, the letter encourages clear mindedness in an environment of conflicting viewpoints.

But even more than urging the readers to be on guard for bad information, Paul encourages the communities to focus on the truth and goodness of the gospel he has preached to them. The same holds true for us today. As so many sources vie for our attention, it is even more essential to draw our minds and hearts toward God’s intentions for goodness, justice, and righteousness as described in manifold ways. As we read, meditate, and contemplate that goodness, we will have the strength to stand firm in a turbulent time.

Prayer

God of truth, help us to dwell on your word in scripture so that we might remember and enact your goodness and justice above and through the din of daily news. Amen.

Written by Joseph L. Morrow, Associate Pastor for Evangelism and Community Engagement

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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