Good morning! Have you ever done something to simply check off a box from a list of things to do? Sometimes it’s a project that needs to be done and other times it is a process of going through the motions. Join us today as we continue our reading in 1 Thessalonians chapter 2, with Apostle Paul giving thanks and appreciation for the believers.

Bible Verse – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 NLT

¹³ Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.

¹⁴ And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. ¹⁵ For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity ¹⁶ as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.

Reflection

Point 1 – Apostle Paul continued his praise for the believers in Thessalonica, because they received the word of God and the word continued to work within them. This is profound in the since that we as believers can receive the word of God, but can choose to abandon it or allow the word of God to live within us and transform us.

Point 2 – Apostle Paul also mentioned the believers suffering and wanted to assure them that they were not alone. Paul mentioned Jesus’ suffering at the hands of the Jews, but to be clear it was also at the hands of the Romans, and as well as our very own sins that sent Jesus Christ to the cross. The message of Jesus, the cross and His ressurection – ultimately, the Good News of Jesus Christ is the reason we have hope. Regardless of the persecution we encounter, Christ is still on the throne and as believers our sins have been forgiven.Persecution from non-believers and believers will occur, but Christ is still with us and because of Him and the examples before us we can continue to share and live the Good News.

Let us continue to imitate the believers who have gone before us, but more so let us imitate Christ in every area of our lives. Let’s put on the full armor of God and continue to pursue the things that He has called us to.

Questions to ponder:
1. Are we reading the word of God and being transformed by it or are we just reading it to check off a box?
2. Are you ready to imitate Christ in every area of your life?

Prayer

Father God, I fall short daily and I know we are all grateful for your mercy and grace that sustains every part of our lives. Even when we are persecuted for our faith you are faithful to strengthen us and keep us. You nurture us and correct us, all while maturing our faith and character. Lord, we desire to be living examples of you. Lord, help us (me) to be slow to anger and humble in speech. Lord, we do not want to simply read the word, we want to live the word and be transformed by it. Lord, we want to be different and set apart for your kingdom work. Lord, direct our steps today and help us to be a blessing to others.

Lord, continue to comfort those who need comforting. Bring peace to areas of chaos and wars around the world. Lord, restore marriages and trust. Help parents as they raise, teach, protect, provide and advise their chil(ren). Help children to make good decisions today. Protect them from harm and/or injury. Guide their steps and surround them with your love.

In your mercy and grace bless us and continue your work in us today – right now in Jesus name, amen.

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