Scripture: 2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12
We are constantly praying for you for this: that our God will make you worthy of his calling and accomplish every good desire and faithful work by his power. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored by you, and you will be honored by him, consistent with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thought for the Day: Most of this chapter, until this point, has been very affirming of the people’s faithfulness and ever-increasing love. The people of the church in Thessalonica are on their game, but here at the end of the chapter, it sounds as if there might be some concern. Paul is praying that God will make them worthy of the calling set before them, even though a few verses earlier, it sure sounded as if they were already deemed worthy of the calling that had been set before them. Which is it? I don’t pretend to know what was in Paul’s head (or as some scholars suggest, this was written by one of Paul’s associates), but in a turbulent and troubling time, does it not make sense to remind a community to reach higher and higher. Right at the beginning of the chapter we learned how faithfulness was growing by leaps and bounds, and that love for each other was increasing. I read it as if we, as follower of Jesus, are to see the bar set high, and when we reach that bar, see how God resets even higher. It’s not to irritate or frustrate us, but to recognize that those passionate about the kingdom never see the work done.
Prayer: I love you, Lord, and I request for you to continue to call me beyond what I have set us my own goals. Call me, and through your Spirit, allow me to strive toward the high calling of your Kingdom of grace. Amen.
SEE YOU SUNDAY
