I am enjoying this America 250 simply from the fact that there is much history to be learned and places to visit – and yet, 250 years ago was only the beginning and there were many dark days and many bright ones too – between then and now.

And while watching and reading about the musical 1776, I found that the folly of the facts both fascinating and foolish. (especially funny the parts of Ben Franklin and his quips…) – well this movie is historical fiction for sure.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1776_(film)

But most fascinating is how I appreciate the main character, John Adams, in the story – NOT because of his role but FOR the actor portraying him – the same actor who was on St Elsewhere much later – William Daniels – and that brash stark and demanding character he is in both shows. Yeah – I had to look him up as soon as I started watching – and it is the storyteller who conveys the attitude you take for or against the character. (and trust me this movie from 1976 for 1776 has a funny set of characters!)… And so much pleading by John Adams to make it a dramatic movie.

It is also interesting how they portray Thomas Jefferson – and say he has “A happy talent for composition” – and funny how they have a quip by Jefferson to Adams about assuming a role like God in creating – well – no one can create like God! And Jefferson so far (I only watched half the movie) is stuck with writer’s block. Glad he got over that!

Now, I am grateful that Our Lord and the Word Himself never had writer’s block – and not a happy composition but a HOLY Composition in preparing the Bible… And we remember and know that God IS God – and it is not like He has a talent for writing but IS the Word Himself. Jesus brings not just His best but HIMSELF to the EXISTANCE of God on earth – not just a role that He plays and fulfills – there are no checkboxes but pre-written plotlines and twists and turns that we can’t understand. There are not commands just for drama – but dramatic reasons to be commanded. Jesus IS – and wanted to teach – and writers of the Word were chosen to write to explain – to challenge – to inspire.

In 2nd Thessalonians letter chapters 2-3, Paul urges the letter readers to STAND FAST and hold on… and to know that God Himself chose the chosen to believe and to act – not to be idle – and to be not disorderly but a follower of Jesus. – Love and obey – there is no other way. And treat others both fairly and like Jesus and if they do not go along with the Word (at Paul’s urging), don’t treat him like the enemy but as a brother – to bring him back to the fold.

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Yes – I see that “the happy talent for composition” – is more of a RECONCILLATION – bringing Christ to us and us to God – and to each other in brotherhood of love. It is a HOLY Composition for LOVE.

Let us remember to LOVE most of all.

Amen

(ok – back to the rest of the movie…)

—

2nd Thesollonians (2:13- 3:18) NKJV

Stand Fast
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Pray for Us
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

Warning Against Idleness
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Benediction
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.