Redirection

Redirection is Vital

Redirection is a vital part of Christ’s ministry. When the church gets off course on a particular doctrine or practice, it is important for the ministry to get it back on track before things get worse. This is something that I noticed as I read the two epistles that Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica. The first epistle is about DIRECTION; the second is about REDIRECTION. A beautiful illustration of the ministry keeping the church on track by going back and explaining things that were misunderstood.

I Thessalonians

In Paul’s first epistle, he mentioned the second coming of Christ several times (I Thessalonians 1:10, 2:19, 3:13, 4:13-17, 5:2-4, 5::23). Paul anxiously awaited the return of Jesus so much that he wrote about it often under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Because of the many references to Christ’s second return in the first epistle, the church at Thessalonica thought the apostle was telling them that Christ return was about to occur, immediately in their lifetime. Their erroneous thinking was causing some problems in the church, not only doctrinally, but practically as well. Some of them had quit working, and even going to church (II Thessalonians 3:6-14). They needed some redirection.

II Thessalonians

In this second epistle Paul does exactly that. He clarifies some things for them as he wrote about future occurrences that must come to pass before Jesus returns (II Thessalonians 2:1-17). Then he admonished those who were using the idea of Christ coming back soon as an opportunity to be lazy and unfaithful. Paul is very direct in this epistle as he uses the word, “command,” three times (II Thessalonians 3:4,6,12). Why was Paul so bold? Because he was very concerned about their future. A ship off course will eventually crash if not redirected. Many churches have done exactly that.

Getting Back On Course

Yes, redirection is a vital part of Christ’s ministry. It should be for everyone who love the Lord and His church. It is something that is accomplished with every sermon, every prayer, and every time we read God’s word. These things redirect our thinking and get us back on course. That is why it is so important for every member to be faithful to God’s house. How could members know what is expected of them if they do not attend the ministry of the word? If you will notice Paul commands the churches to read and share their epistles with one another (Colossians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians. 5:27-28, II Thessalonians 3:14). But he also commands the church as to their duty for those who did not obey the epistles whether they were there or not. As I read these two epistles, I thought about those who were not present as they were read.

Finally

Yes, it is important for the ministry to direct. Yet, it is equally important to redirect. As Paul encouraged Timothy, “Peach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (II Timothy 4:2)

Lord, help us to stay on course!

- Elder Neil Phelan, Jr.