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2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
New International Version (NIV)
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Mrs. Hergenrother, who almost singlehandedly taught me to spell by making me write her name on every paper, wrote a note on one of my papers in her beautiful penmanship: “Your handwriting is atrocious.” As a third grader, I learned that day the meaning of atrocious. To be fair, she was correct. My coordination in writing left something to be desired. One benefit of her critique, however, was an unanticipated growth in my vocabulary. I learned what atrocious meant and I fell even more in love with words and wondered what other words I might learn. So I am grateful!
Paul often used an amanuensis, or writing assistant to write his letters. At the end, though, he wrote and signed the letter in his own handwriting. In this conclusion of his correspondence with the Thessalonians (as far as we know), he offered them one last and lasting gift: peace. As in his letter to the Philippians, he reminds them that peace has a source: The Lord of peace.
So what does peace mean. For some it connotes the conclusion of conflict. The Bible means more. The Shalom of God is the fullness of all of his goodness poured out on all of his people. Some soak it up and some deflect it, but it is available to all. The fullness of his goodness is life-giving and sufficient. God’s peace is enough for us, even if we run out of other important things.
Let’s marinate in his benediction of peace. The Lord of peace is personally involved when he gives his peace. Not only does he give it, but the store is never closed. The Lord of peace gives peace at all times, even times like these. This peace is multifaceted in its coming to us covering us “in every way.” Peace is wrapped in the presence of Christ. “The Lord be with you all.” When he comes he always brings grace to go with the peace. Friends on facebook showed pictures this week that they had baked shortcake. Then they covered it with strawberries. As strawberries go with shortcake, so grace goes with peace. And grace and peace go with us, wherever we go. Learn these words: grace and peace. These words are never atrocious, no matter who writes them.
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Pray with me:
Lord of peace, you know our hearts are restless and our sleep can be fitful. We have no power to stop the illness which plagues our world, our country, and our city. Honestly, we do not know what to do. Keep our eyes on you. May the fullness of your goodness wash over us and keep us today. May your shalom be the story of these days, writ large on our souls. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:
Matthew 5:25-26
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
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| Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.
Joyfully,
Duane
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