Word of Encouragement (11/27/2020)

We talked about the three commands Paul gives in 1 Thess. 5:16-18—how we should thank God for these commands because they remind us of what kind of kingdom to which we belong—a kingdom of eternal joy, of unceasing and intimate communion with God, and of God’s sovereign grace. Paul follows up these commands with these words: “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

These words show us how important these commands are in the heart of God and how much God desires that we obey them. It is God’s will that we obey all His commands in His Word. But when He specifies that a particular command is His will, as it is in the case of these three commands, then we know the high place they occupy in all of God’s commands. These may not be the greatest and the second greatest commands (Matt. 22:37-39). But these three commands may rank right below them.

But by now we know that God’s will goes beyond our observance of these commands. If He wills that we obey these commands, it is because He desires us to know and share in the glories of His kingdom. By commanding us to rejoice always, He wants us to know that His eternal and unending joy is available to all who belong to His kingdom through their union with Jesus Christ. By commanding us to pray without ceasing, He wants us to know that an intimate communion with Him is available to us at all times, along with His abundant blessings. By commanding us to give thanks to Him in all circumstances, He wants us to know that His sovereign grace is at work in all situations. If we can only see it, we would give thanks to God for all things.

Oh, how kind and generous our God is! He is not a cruel tyrant and hard master, reaping where He did not sow, and gathering where He scattered no seed. Rather, He delights in giving to those that ask, helping those that seek to find, and opening the gates to those that knock (Matt. 7:7). “[A] bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench...” (Isa. 42:3). Even His commands are there to remind us and enable us to enjoy our abundant life in His kingdom! Let us give thanks to Him and delight to observe His law! Have a blessed day!

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