Paul warns in this section about idleness and laziness. Paul and friends had been a good example working hard when they were among the Thessalonians. Paul tells them to stay away from lazy, idle people. They get into trouble and gossip and meddle in other people's business. He even goes so far as to say that if they will not work, they should not eat! This is not to be confused with people who for various reasons CANNOT work. This is about people who WILL not work. Paul urges the idle ones to get back to work, and he encourages everyone else by saying, "Never get tired of doing good." v. 13
Paul ends this letter with these words, "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." vv.16-18 Grace and peace. These are good things to pray for in every generation, including our own! Our world is filled with stress and anxiety, and we need the grace and peace of God.
Psalm 104
This psalm praises God for every part of His creation. It is a beautiful poem to enjoy! The commentary material in the Life Application Study Bible notes that this psalm corresponds with the six days of creation as found in Genesis 1. (I never would have thought of this myself!) :)
- Day 1 - Light. vv. 1-2
- Day 2 - The heavens and the waters. vv. 2-3
- Day 3 - Land and vegetation. vv. 6-18
- Day 4 - Sun, moon, and stars. vv. 19-23
- Day 5 - Fish and birds. vv. 25-26
- Day 6 - Animals, people, and food to sustain them. vv. 21-24, 27-30
"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord." vv. 33-34
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