Three is an important number to God, based on what we read in the Bible.
— The Father, Son and Holy Spirit
— Noah had three sons to help him build the ark
— Three angelic messengers (Were they Christ, Gabriel, Michael?) who announced to Abraham the coming birth of Isaac
— Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
— Three kings of the Orient, a/k/a Three wise men
— Peter, James and John
— Jesus’ ministry lasted three years
— He raised three people from the dead
— Jesus arose from the tomb on the third day
— Paul, Barnabas and Mark; later, Paul, Silas and Timothy
There are many other examples of how three of this or that was significant in scripture, but I’m sure you see a pattern.
So when I read I Thessalonians 5:16-18 this morning, it didn’t surprise me that three exhortations were listed. Practicing these directives resulted in greater faithfulness in apostolic days and continue to display faithfulness in our day.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
It is only with a maturing faith that one will rejoice always. For we won’t always experience good times. To rejoice during bad times requires a “short-timer’s” perspective.
You perhaps have had jobs at which you’ve already turned in your two weeks’ notice and then some co-worker starts giving you grief. It’s like water on a duck’s back, though, because your heart and focus are already checked out and it makes little difference to you what that crabby co-worker thinks.
Christians know they have something better waiting for them in glory and can quietly, inwardly celebrate that fact whenever hassles remind them that their bodily address still says “Earth.”
Praying continually and giving thanks in all circumstances are also possible only because a growing faith.
Listen, there is only good that comes from living a I Thessalonians 5:16-18 life. And it is certainly much easier for others to live with us when we pursue a three-way faith.
Whatever happens in your life today, look for how it can prompt you to rejoice in faith and pray to Him for strength and wisdom. And make sure to thank God for the opportunity to grow in patience or relationships or in vocational competence or in wisdom for handling adversity.
It’s what faithful “short-timers” do.
As always, I love you
Martin
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