Musings and Contemplations

In anticipation of Christ’s second coming, we work hard and look for the good that we might do, knowing that God will protect and care for us.[1]

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 NRSV
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.

Let everyone who comes in the name of the Lord be received, and then, when you have taken stock of him, you will know – for you will have insight – what is right and false. If the person who comes is just passing through, help him as much as you can, but he shall not stay with you more than two or three days – if that is necessary. If he wants to settle in with you, though, and he is a craftsman, let him work and eat. If he has no craft, take care in your insight: no Christian should live with you in idleness. If he is unwilling to do what that calls for, he is using Christ to make a living. Be on your guard against people like this.[2]

Heidelberg Catechism Question 52
What comfort is it to you that Christ shall come to judge the living and the dead?
That in all my sorrows and persecutions, with uplifted head I look for the very same Person who before has offered Himself for my sake to the tribunal of God, and has removed all curse from me, to come as Judge from heaven; who shall cast all His and my enemies into everlasting condemnation, but shall take me with all His chosen ones to Himself into heavenly joy and glory.

O Lord our God, under the shadow of your wings we will rest. Defend us and support us, bear us up when we are little, and we know that even down to our gray hairs, you will carry us. Amen.[3]

He is Making All Things Right

[1] Ancient Christian Devotional Year C, p. 265.
[2] The Didache 12.1-5. From Ancient Christian Devotional Year C, p. 266.
[3] A prayer of St. Augustine, from Ancient Christian Devotional Year C, p. 264.