November 29, 2018
To read full passage click: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 …“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?” Vs. 9
Paul had paused for a time in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey, proclaimed the gospel, and had promptly been run out of town! Later on he wondered about those who had received his message and sent Timothy back to check on them. When Timothy returned with good news of their faith and love, Paul was overjoyed and promptly sent them a letter of thanksgiving. That letter, written in about 50 A.D. is the oldest book of our New Testament. Paul was so excited to hear that his work had been fruitful. There had been so much persecution and he had been afraid his enemies had been successful in undermining his message. We can understand his joy. It does feel good to know that the faith we love so much has taken root in others. That’s how the church has grown, one generation passing the gospel on to the next. It’s a fragile enterprise, and sometimes we wonder if our faith will have children. There are so many competing influences in the lives of those we love, and when we hear that our faith is being embraced by children and grandchildren it gives enormous joy. Somehow it’s a validation of all that we’ve held dear–our witness has not been in vain. The Christ lives on! Thanks be to God!
Thought for the Day: How has my faith influenced others?
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