Continuing our study
of 1st Thessalonians…
Scripture: 1st Thessalonians 3:5-9
For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain. But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?
Thought for the Day: Growing up, did you ever find that news had traveled faster than you were able to travel. Upon returning home, did you discover that the news of what you had done at school, church or somewhere else had already reached the ears of your parents. News can travel fast, especially when it is not good news. Yet in the case of the Thessalonians, the news that reached Paul’s ears (via Timothy) was good news. As anxious as Paul appeared to be, it seems as if he had waited a long time for Timothy to return. Whether that was the case or not, the stories Timothy brought with him were a source of great joy to those who heard them. In fact, the news of the Thessalonians became a source of encouragement even while Paul and his colleagues experienced “distress and persecution.” They were able to ‘live’ (or it could be translated as breathe) in the knowledge that the Thessalonians had not been enticed or persuaded by the tempter.
Can you imagine bringing joy to someone simply because of what s/he hears about you? On Facebook – amidst all the political garbage and funny pictures of animals and someone’s score on a silly game – there are these amazing and touching stories. At times, I’ll be caught off guard by a short video clip of an underdog scoring the winning goal or an article of someone’s act of generosity. Out of nowhere, I’ll be choking back tears. This person could be 1500 miles away, yet his/her actions can provide encouragement, hope and joy even when life is not going well. In reading this portion of 1st Thessalonians, one of the take aways should be the far-reaching character of faith and love, kindness and compassion. Let us never underestimate the power of faithful acts to touch the lives of people who we may not ever see…yet news travels, even good news.
Prayer: Through your mercy, Mighty God, we have found a love that has changed our lives. We pray that this change is not simply an internal modification, but something so powerful that it creates a visible change in our outward living and our loving. Amen.
THIS SUNDAY
ONE SERVICE
at
10:30am
