Rebuilding in a Time of Upheaval

 

By Jim Howe

 

Where do you begin to rebuild when all that we know is being torn down? The “new normal” feels to many of us like living in Babylon after the exile or living in the rubble after Rome was destroyed. There is an urge in us all, a deep desire, for something real and lasting.  While Jerusalem was awaiting destruction by the Romans that would occur in a few short years in 70ad, Paul was building the kingdom of God. It was laborious, tedious, and dangerous work but it was built on the unchanging Word of God and the message of Jesus Christ revealed in the gospel.  If you listen in on Paul’s conversation with the Thessalonians, you will hear him call the Church today to simply be the Church:

“For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:1–8, ESV)

Costly, “all in”, transparent, God-focused, and relationally intensive, long-term investment in sharing the gospel of God is on display in what Paul wrote. The work of Paul stood in stark contrast to the religious hucksters of the day. The change that was evident in the lives of believers was proof that proclaiming and dialoguing about the gospel was not a waste. 

There is something earth shaking about being involved in truth that is worth dying for. The level of suffering American Christians face is small in comparison to our global brothers and sister.  But if you join in speaking the gospel message and living the gospel faith you will suffer attacks.  The sneer of unbelief is everywhere and the criticism pervasive.  The gospel Paul proclaimed is universal in scope, but it is also exclusive in that it is centered in the one Lord and Savior that leads people into a life with the one true God.  We all long to have the approval of those we love.  But building a new world that lasts can only have one foundation: God.  He is the One we all must answer to in the end. Faithfulness to the gospel message and the entire Biblical narrative is the most important credential for rebuilding the Church in a time where health requirements have many churches shut down and others limping along with worship attended by only a faction of the congregation.

The kind of rebuilding we see Paul doing in Thessalonica is exactly what we need.  The emphasis is not upon a building; it is centered upon proclaiming the message of God through costly human interaction.  We need to be the Church that is unstoppable as we meet in home fellowships in backyards and as we have conversations with the Bible in hand and live together in deep humility.

Paul was not authoritarian in his posture.  His allegiance to Christ as the head of the Church set the stage for a humble yet bold approach.  A nursing mother and her children describes the most basic human relationship. The love Paul spoke of was profound “affection”.  The message he proclaimed of Christ’s cross and resurrection was put on display as the light of Christ shown through his life.

As we remain in many ways still in our homes warned to stay away from social contact, we are all aware of family relationships.  Living the gospel with our spouse, our family and children is the arena for us now.  It is the very foundation and building block for the new world called the Kingdom of God. What we do each day does matter; it is not in vain when our faith is in Christ and our relationships are an expression of obedience to God.

We are all being called to surrender to the Sovereign God who is at work. After all, He alone is the one who really builds the kingdom.  He is shaking the globe, and behind the scenes He is laying the foundation for a whole new world.  Listen to the words of this old hymn rewritten for today: https://youtu.be/ihwS1rAagCo

Here are the words to consider:

Verse 1:

God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs

And works His sovereign will.

 

Verse 2: 

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds you so much dread

Are big with mercy and shall break

In blessings on your head.

 

Chorus:

Holy, Holy

Oh mysteries beyond

Glory, Glory

Be to our Sovereign God

 

Verse 3: 

Blind unbelief is sure to err

And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

 

God Moves In A Mysterious Way

Written by Matt Papa, Matt Boswell

© 2016 Love Your Enemies Publishing, Dayspring Publishing, LLC ( A Division of Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI #7065055

CCLI #7065054