When Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, Therefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18). He isn’t prefacing it with a protracted exhortation, but rather expounding on the Day of the Lord. Now, some as did I, might reason that maybe the Thessalonian believers were weathering a storm at that time and needed these words from Paul to instill hope in their situations. Well, not really. The believers in Thessalonica (modern Thessaloniki in northern Greek), the capital of Macedonia, were quite a wealthy bunch. This prominent and prosperous seaport was the center of commerce and also was on via Egnatia (major trade route connecting Rome to the Eastern world). Paul also commends their faith extensively in both the epistles he writes to them, so they aren’t really enduring a faith crisis as well in their lives. And given that this is one of the first epistles of Paul, the systematic persecution of Christians by the Roman empire wasn’t yet a problem, as it was in Philippi at the time of Paul’s writing to them. Financially prosperous, steadfast in faith and free of persecutions. The rational mind would reason, the Thessalonians must continue to live their lives to the fullest. Why be too concerned about the Lord’s return? Peace and safety rings around (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Isn’t all this favor granted by the Lord Himself for them to enjoy? It was, yet our final destiny in Christ must always beckon our soul eternal-ward as it did the Thessalonian believers.

There were 2 prisoners locked up in the prison system. One was locked up in solitary, in the cold, pitch dark, damp, uncomfortable cell. Barely seeing the sunlight, getting fed just enough food to prevent him from starving and enduring being beaten up by the guards daily. His comfort only found reminiscing in his past freedom. Holding on in hope and eagerly awaiting the day he would have his freedom back again. The other prisoner though in the same prison system had a better hand dealt to him. He had a large cell to himself with every comfort available to pass his time there, and got choice food. His comforts were available to instantly gratify him. His hope is only looking forward to another day to pass away. Which prisoner do you think longed to experience his freedom more and that it couldn’t come any sooner for him? “Life deals us all different cards.” But is this all a mere product of unfortunate coincidences and universal probabilities? Or aren’t our days ordained even before there was one of them? (Psalms 139:16) Every moment of joy and sorrow, architected by a God who is always in control. Every season of comfort and hardship, manifesting His supreme will and purposes. To quote a pastor in conclusion, “we are all in a prison cell, with a nice blue roof, good air-conditioning and heating.” What is the message conveyed here? That we never get too comfortable in this world.

Does this mean we must live life as an ascetic?

Does this mean we forfeit every earthly comfort and joy?

No.

But does hardship increase the groaning within? (Romans 8:22)

Does it instill a burning hope of truer freedom?

Does it orient our spirits upward?

Yes.