The alarm blared, a shrill siren cutting through the Friday morning fog. Sophia fumbled for the snooze button, mumbling under her breath. Another late start. She’d sworn off this routine, but here she was, once again, rushing to get ready. She couldn't remember how many times she hit the "snooze" button, but by the way the sun shined through the bedroom window she knew it was at least 9 AM. Her office opened at 8AM.
Sophia threw on the first clothes she saw. When she passed the mirror in the hall she could see that it was a mismatched outfit. It was a major fashion faux pas but it was far too late to change now. She grabbed a banana and scarfed down a granola bar as she ran down the apartment steps. The crumbs from the granola bar were falling into the pockets on her blouse. No time to clean up. The steps just kept going and going.
She raced to get into her car. Thankfully it started right up! She was so grateful that she filled up the tank with gasoline a few days before leaving her just enough to get to the office. She hoped and prayed then put the car in gear to speed to work. However, before she could leave the parking lot she could feel something was wrong. She opened the door and could immediately see the driver's rear tire was completely flat. Her heart sank. She’d be late for work and knew her boss wouldn’t be pleased. In fact, he'd given her three warnings this month.
Sophia couldn't remember if her car had a spare but her dad always told her in this instance she could call for roadside assistance. She dialed the number written on her insurance card. After waiting on hold for nearly ten minutes they confirmed that roadside assistance was on its way. Unfortunately, they would not arrive until about 10:30 AM. At this point she was afraid to call work and offer excuses. She just sat in her car and cried. She left the car running for the heat and the radio. Time went so slow! To pass the time she scrolled through social media for what seemed like hours.
Roadside assistance finally arrived on the scene at 11AM. She texted a few co-workers to break the news to the boss. She was busy trying to get other employees to cover her morning tasks, but most were already swamped as they prepared for a three day weekend. She was frustrated but hopeful the commute to work would be easy. It was cold, foggy and there was a light mist.
The tire was fixed by 11:30 giving her about 30 minutes to make the drive downtown to her office building. She thanked the men from roadside assistance and shot out of the parking lot like a bullet. Fearing a ticket she drove about 5 miles over the speed limit. As she got closer to the block where her office stood she noticed the fuel light and the check engine light. She wasn't going to make it. The car began to sputter and lunge forward, but there was not a gas station in sight. Why did she leave the car running for well over an hour?
"Great!" she yelled. Now the mist turned into a drizzle. Then a gentle pouring of rain. By the time her office was in view the car sputtered to a stop, but she inched her way into a 2 hour parking spot on main street. She grabbed her purse and her briefcase but no umbrella was to be found in her messy car. She took a breath and then dashed out into the rain to run the remaining block. She stomped and sloshed and slipped in her heels but arrived at the front door without falling down. "It was a miracle," she thought. Only then did she remember that her keys were missing. She must have locked them in the car.
Sophia pulled at the office door, but it was locked. She knocked, but no one arrived. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed the office phone number, but there was no answer. Just then she saw a note, written in familiar handwriting, said, "I took the office staff to lunch at Mario's. Be back soon." What? Mario's? That was her favorite Italian restaurant and it was several blocks away. He went to make another call but her phone died. She forgot to charge it last night and all that surfing on social media caught up to her.
There she sat. On the front step of her office building. Drenched. Tired. Frustrated. Hungry. Phone was dead. Car was out of gas. Deadlines were missed. Is her boss going to fire her? Would she get a ticket for parking in a tow away zone? How was she going to get gas to move to her office parking lot? What happened to her keys? Will the tire stay inflated? This was the picture of defeat.
Sophia's problem is a common one. Being unprepared and unorganized can bring tremendous headaches and stress. Sometimes, being late can teach us the importance of patience and preparation. Other times being late can cost us something. Maybe a job. Or worse, maybe our soul. Remember the story of the foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). What a lesson! Don't be late in answering the call of God. We need to be ready for the coming of Jesus.
The two letters to the Thessalonians, written by the Apostle Paul, are among the earliest New Testament books. These letters offer profound insights into the early Christian church and provide timeless messages of hope, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Specifically, Paul wanted the early Christians to remain prepared for the second coming of Jesus. It was the source of many first century sermons. Jesus is coming again!
The Thessalonian churches were founded by Paul during his second missionary journey. These churches faced various challenges, including persecution and spiritual confusion. Paul's letters were written to address these issues and to provide guidance and encouragement. Both letters address the imminent return of Christ. Paul encourages believers to be ready for this event and to live a life that honors God.
Paul teaches some practical lessons about daily living. First, that believers who have died will be resurrected and reunited with Christ. Second, that when Jesus comes again He wants to find us living a holy and righteous life. Finally, Paul highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers until the end of the world. Using these three primary thoughts he gives details about the end of time and the Judgment.
These letters offer valuable lessons for Christians today. We also need to be ready! We should live our lives with the anticipation of Christ's return. We should look forward to the resurrection. We should strive to live according to God's standards. We should encourage each other and build each other up in faith. We should trust that God is in control, even in difficult times.
The Thessalonian letters are a source of comfort, hope, and encouragement. By studying these letters, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and apply its teachings to our lives. They give us hope for eternal life? Will you be ready to meet Jesus? Have a great week!
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
#HolySpirit #Christianity #Scripture #onpoint #dailyBiblereading #sin #salvation #grace #Thessalonians
Comments