In our scripture readings for Pentecost Sunday, Paul writes to his friends in Thessalonica, answering their anxious question about the second coming of Jesus. And Paul prophesies that the Thessalonians can be at ease – Jesus has not returned and will not return until the lawless one, the Antichrist is revealed. This answer is provided by the Holy Spirit, the source of all prophecy, who in our fourth reading, descends to the first apostles with the sound of a violent wind, and the look of tongues of fire.....
“For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left.” These words of Jesus describe the suddenness with which he will return, and they raise a scary question: WHAT IF...none of you or your friends or neighbours are taken, and you are all left behind? Could the return of Jesus happen, and you not notice? Could it already be too late to prepare for salvation?
Paul did not have much time to spend with the Thessalonians when he established the church there, thanks to the jealous Jews who chased him out of town, and out of the nearby town of Beroea as well. So Paul keeps up a correspondence with Thessalonica during the eighteen months he is busy making tents and evangelizing in nearby Corinth, two letters of which we have preserved in the bible. And in the second chapter of the second letter, Paul addresses their scary question about the return of Jesus. Now, Paul WAS convinced at this point, that he would live long enough to see Jesus' return – the church as a whole thought his return was imminent. But there were some people spreading fake news, possibly even in Paul's name, that Jesus HAD already returned. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that it cannot have happened already, by prophesying that there will be a necessary step that comes before – the revealing of the lawless one. “He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God.”
If you listen to senior Iranian cleric Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Ameli, or American journalist Tucker Carlson, the lawless one HAS been revealed – obviously, it's Donald Trump. As with the vicious Roman emperors, ruthless dictators, and corrupt popes who have been called Antichrist in the past, this is an exaggeration based on personal animosity. But it does beg the question, “could the lawless one be revealed, and we do not notice? Could we have just weeks or days or hours left to prepare for salvation?” Seems unlikely in our age of the internet, but Jesus does promise his return will be a surprise. Should WE be quickly shaken in mind, and alarmed?.....
No! Because, in our baptism, we have received the Holy Spirit. And the role of the Holy Spirit is to KEEP us prepared for salvation, through the four roles that Martin Luther ascribed to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit CALLS people through the gospel. And in extreme cases, like in our fourth reading today, the Holy Spirit enables the transmission of the gospel at opportune times, like a Pentecost festival, even in foreign languages. The Holy Spirit GATHERS people into communities and congregations, for mutual encouragement, and the tackling of larger projects, like the first apostles in Jerusalem, and the early congregation of Thessalonica. The Holy Spirit ENLIGHTENS people in truth, in interpretation, and through prophecy like Paul's, not only guiding people into truth, but enabling the LOVE of truth and the rejection of delusion. The Holy Spirit SANCTIFIES people in faith, not only guiding people like the Thessalonians towards righteousness, but enabling the LOVE of righteousness. The Holy Spirit keeps believers in a state of readiness for the return of Jesus, as they follow the Spirit's direction, and stand firm.
And just as we are PRODUCTS of the work of the Holy Spirit, we are also AGENTS of that work. We are called to PROCLAIM the gospel, at whatever opportune times we have, using whatever language of word and deed will be understood. We are called to STRENGTHEN the bonds of connection in our congregation, and to foster ever-greater love for one another. We are called to PURSUE truth in the service of sharing truth, and to encourage the LOVE of truth. And we are called to EXEMPLIFY righteousness, to inspire others to investigate our way of life, and encourage faith in our Lord. While we are being prepared for salvation by the Holy Spirit, we are being used to bring others to the same salvation, so that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Gracious God, we thank you for the presence of your Holy Spirit, who calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies us. Help us to cooperate with the Spirit working within us, so that we may stand firm and hold fast to what we have been taught, and be effective in bringing people to faith in your son Jesus Christ, in his name....