Marching Orders for an Advent People, Day 13 + Friday in San Francisco!

When the King arrives, neutrality disappears and obedience becomes joy. Paul’s words to Thessalonica become our roadmap for a faithful, peaceful, and Spirit-filled Church.

As families and friends prepare to be consumed by joy, we are also invited to be consumed by the biblical narrative that presents a King born of the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and given for the sake of the world. But is the earth prepared to receive her King? Is every heart prepared to give Him room? These questions matter because the world is often ready to receive any number of messiahs, while the true Messiah remains stored away as a mythical figure. If the world is to receive her King, then they must see Him as He truly is.

This tension is beautifully captured in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where Lewis notes that people outside Narnia cannot imagine something being good and terrible at the same time. The Incarnation is just that. Jesus is the God-Man who delivers His people and the God-Man who frightens His enemies. He comes not masquerading as a man but as the man. His words stir fear and passion, love and purity. When Jesus comes, He demands loyalty. People do not remain passive toward Him; instead, they react in absolute allegiance or absolute hatred.

How, then, does the Church respond? The Church is the refuge for those who love Him and submit to His will. Having received the true Messiah and been baptized into the Triune Name, we also receive His commands. Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” This is the atmosphere surrounding Paul’s final exhortations in 1 Thessalonians 5. After comforting the saints with resurrection hope, Paul concludes with practical marching orders for an orderly and faithful church. How do these commands help a modern congregation receive the King rightly?