1 Thessalonians 2:20 – Verse of the Day 6/19/13

 
A large portion of the first half of 1 Thessalonians offers Paul’s reasons for being unable to come to Thessalonica in person. Having left them rather quickly during his previous visit, Paul here explains the reasons preventing his return. In the midst of that explanation, Paul describes the feeling of disappointment arising from his inability to return sooner. Paul is disappointed because he takes special encouragement from God’s obvious work of redemption in their lives. For Paul, God’s salvation of the Thessalonian church is his “hope,” “joy,” and “crown” (2:19), as well as his “glory” and “joy” (2:20).

Just as Paul rejoiced in the work of God in the lives of the Thessalonians, so we are called to respond to the signs of God’s work in our brothers and sisters in Christ. Spend some time in prayer considering how God is working in the lives of those close to you. Give him praise for that work, and pray for further growth on the basis of God’s faithful promises.