A Great Request

Today will wrap up our look at 1 Thessalonians.  Tomorrow I’ll begin a look at 2 Thessalonians…just seems like the logical thing to do.  Outside of a few farewell verses, here is the end of the letter:  “²³ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”  Many of us have wishes for other people.  Many of us have favorite benedictions or pronouncements like “May the force be with you”.  Ok, I know that one’s from a movie but often you have a closing phrase:  “See you later”, “Love you”, “Catch you on the flip side”…stuff like that.  The benediction in 1 Thessalonians is pretty amazing.  Paul prays that the God of peace would sanctify them completely. Theologically speaking, I think complete sanctification only comes when we leave this earth and enter eternity. What a great moment that will be, to be free from the sin of this world and the suffering that originates with it. I would definitely wish that for you. Then Paul asks God to preserve blameless their bodies, spirits and souls.  That’s also a pretty good idea.  Finally, Paul points to the faithfulness of God.  Paul essentially promises that God will do this; in God’s timing of course.  I’m glad that I serve a God who knows the end from the beginning and has the power to make it all happen just as He desires.  This is God’s desire for His people.  I know it doesn’t always look or feel that way, but I assure you that it is true.  Perhaps you could consider praying these words for those you know and love. Sounds like a good request to me.