1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always.
When I was younger and had to memorize Bible verses, I asked my pastor what was the shortest Bible verse. He told me about John 11:35 (Jesus wept). He didn't tell me about this one from 1 Thessalonians. I like it though.
I know we've all got a busy day today. Some are working. Some are shopping. Some are watching football. Some are recovering from a tryptophan-induced coma. Some are traveling. We're all busy, so we don't have time to memorize a big long Bible verse. But we can all remember "rejoice always." I like that because it reflects reality. It doesn't say "be happy always." There's a difference between happiness and joy. Joy is deeper and can sometimes coexist with sadness. Happiness is momentary, fleeting, and situation-driven. Joy comes from deep within. In fact, joy comes from deep without... joy is a gift of God. Joy is that which says "God loves me" in the midst of sadness and pain. Joy is that which says "God will lift us up" when all evidence says otherwise. Joy gives thanks even when it's not a nationally recognized holiday. Rejoice today. And rejoice always.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us as we begin the preparations for Christmas with the First Sunday of Advent this Sunday... worship at 8:30 and 11.
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This was a perfect lesson for Friday. I was at my grandfather's visitation and funeral on Friday and Saturday - and I felt that it should be a time of rejoicing. Obviously most people do not associate "joy" with funerals, but to me that is exactly what this was about. And now I can explain that it is "rejoicing" even in the pain that we may feel in the loss of a loved one - there is still joy and rejoicing - we don't have to be "happy" that he died - but we certainly can celebrate his life and his arrival in heaven! Thank you for this message.
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