Good morning! Have you ever noticed an artist stare at one of their greatest masterpieces – with a labor of love and pride on their face? Maybe you noticed the look of a parent when they saw their child graduate – they’ve considered all the sacrifices, hardwork, discipline, and guidance it took for them and their child to get to that point. Today, we will finish our reading in 1 Thessalonians chapter two (2) where Apostle Paul will discuss his proud reward and crown.

Bible verse – 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

“¹⁷ Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again.  ¹⁸ We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us.  ¹⁹ After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!  ²⁰ Yes, you are our pride and joy.”

Reflection

Apostle Paul was sincerely saddened by the fact that he was unable to return to the Thessalonian church, yet he knew it was not because he did not try. Early on, Paul had spent time with the believers, ministered to them and guided them in the things of the Lord. He was vested in their spiritual growth and development, and the believers they had become even in his absence it delighted his soul. Paul further explained his hope and joy in the believers.

There are two points that I want to make today.

• Even when we have great plans to further the kingdom or encourage believers in their faith, things do not always go as planned.

• The Lord knew Paul would not be able to visit with the Thessalonian believers at those times.

• Yet, Paul was able to write and share his love with the believers from afar.

• Paul did not give up on encouraging them.

• Paul considered this group of believers his pride and joy. He considered their faith and character and looked forward to the day when the Lord would reward.

• We never know what divine plan will take place when we are obedient in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and trusting the Lord to transform lives.

Sisters and brothers, the Lord has called us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with anyone who would hear it. He has called us to various purposes to demonstrate His love wherever we are and wherever He sends us. We may not see the fruit of our labor here on earth, but on that glorious day when we see our heavenly Father face-to-face our greatest joy will be to hear the words – well done good and faithful servant.

Are you ready to live this out?

Let’s keep pressing on!

Prayer

Father God we thank you for this beautiful day and for another opportunity to serve you. Lord, you are so faithful and gracious to us. Lord, you never left us or forsaked us. Lord, forgive us for the times when we weren’t being a good witness. Forgive us for the times we have sinned and have fallen short. Lord, reset our minds and hearts to think on the things that concern you. Lord, our hands are open – use them however you please. Equip us and empower us to follow after you with our whole heart. Lord we seek to please you.

Lord, we pray for the mother whose son was murdered and for the other victims of this crime. Lord, give her and their family strength and peace. Lord, we pray for justice to served and for healing for this family. Lord,  be with the man who is going through significant nerve pain and struggling with physical limitations. Lord, we pray for a good outcome with his medical providers today. Lord, prepare the hearts and minds of the doctors who will see and treat him today. Lord, let them be compassionate and full of wisdom on how to treat the medical condition. Lord, we continue pray for those with other medical conditions and we ask for your healing touch. Lord, be with those with prayer request today. Lord, in your mercy and grace, hear their prayers and answer them.
In Jesus name, amen.

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