Tonight I read 1 Thessalonians 2. I love it when you read something that you've read 1000 times before, but you just really read it & it has a whole new meaning.
As I was reading this chapter, I started wondering...do Paul & friends just write these letters to the churches at Thessalonica & Ephesus & Corinth, etc...& then they're read in a little church to the congregation the next Sunday? That's how I picture it. Clearly, I'm no biblical scholar so it's very likely that I'm wrong, but I like to picture it that way.
Anyway...I have absolutely fallen in love with this chapter. It paints such a beautiful picture of ministry as God intended it. First of all, it's clear that Paul & friends stood up to some tough opposition, but they just dealt with it. Verse 4 says that they spoke "as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel." That confidence is amazing...they knew without a doubt that they were speaking God's words. And to be "entrusted with the gospel"...that's a HUGE responsibility that all Christians bear. But more than a responsibility, it's an honor.
I love verse 8..."we loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." Share life. Love it.
And my favorite, verses 19-20..."For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy." I imagine when I get to Heaven & see some of my San Antonio kids, or kids I met in Africa. Knowing that I planted a seed, or even prayed with some of them when they accepted Jesus...I can't imagine a greater pride & joy than that & it just thrills me.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to hear from you!