Continuing our study
of 1st Thessalonians…
Scripture: 1st Thessalonians 2:17-20
As for us, brothers and sisters, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you—in person, not in heart—we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? Yes, you are our glory and joy!
Thought for the Day: It seems a little weird for Paul (and his two companions) to refer to the Thessalonians as his (their) pride and joy, his (their) crown jewel of sorts. Of course, this is pretty early in Paul’s career, and he will have even greater influence in the years to come…and there will probably be even greater jewels in his collection. But in this context, it appears that Paul was attempting to build his rapport with the people of Thessalonica. Some might call it kissing up, and though Paul desired a strong relationship with this community, there was an additional objective with the use of these complimentary and encouraging comments.
As we will come to discover, there was some confusion and concern among the followers of Jesus there in Thessalonica. Though they had accomplished a lot, there was anxiety over the future. Such anxiety can be incredibly destructive within any organization, including a church. Where there is anxiety about the future, hopelessness and despair can begin to encroach upon a person’s outlook. For the Thessalonians, their history (even recent history) had many accomplishments worth celebrating, but anxiety can quickly undermine the future of any organization.
As I read this passage, Paul seems less concerned about getting the Thessalonians to like him (though there was probably some of that), and more concerned about building their self-esteem. I have said it numerous time, institutional self-esteem is incredibly important for the success of the institution. Like an individual, a corporate body also has a sense of its worth and value. If this is low, it guarantees that the community will focus on all the wrong things and end up accomplishing absolutely nothing. Defeatism and despair were exactly what Paul was attempting to avoid among this young, but very promising community. He desired to build on their past successes, not just reminisce about past successes.
Prayer: Within my community of faith, Lord, may we continue to find hope and excitement about the future. May the trust that we have in you allow for our collective joy and sense of value to be high. Amen.
Tomorrow Afternoon and Evening
