2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Paul, Silvanius, and Timothy are greeting the Thessalonians again in this second letter. He expresses thanks and appreciation to the Thessalonians for their steadfast faith which has been an example to many. We see the Thessalonians increasing in their faith despite the persecution and affliction they are facing. While they are doing well, Paul writes unto them to encourage them to stay faithful despite the persecution. The difficult trials they are enduring are seen by God. He will reward us one day and He will also punish those that bring persecution to us. Those that reject the Lord will suffer the destruction and wrath of God. With this truth in mind of the coming victory for the Thessalonians, Paul reminds them that they are constantly in prayer for them. They are praying that God will continue to grow them in sanctification through the gospel and praying that by God’s power all the desire for goodness and faith of the Thessalonians would be answered or fulfilled.
The famous German Pastor and martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, once said that “The deep meaning of the cross of Christ is that there is no suffering on earth that is not borne by God.” No where in the Bible does it say that the Christian life is easy. In fact quote the opposite is addressed multiple times. Suffering, persecution, trials, these are words that often are repeated in the New Testament regarding the life of a believer.
The famous hymn “It is Well with my Soul” was written by Horatio Spafford. The story behind why he wrote the hymn is a tragic one but a reminder for us to look unto Jesus for great hope. He was a wealthy individual with investments in Chicago. However in 1871, all were burned in the Great Chicago Fire and Spafford lost a huge fortune. Two years later, his family (without him) went on a family vacation but their ship was struck on its way across the Atlantic to England. All four of Spafford’s daughters were killed. His wife was the sole survivor in the family and sent a telegram that read “Saved alone.” It was after these tragedies that he wrote the hymn “It is well with my Soul”
The lines of the hymn reads as follows:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
And Lord haste the day, when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
This was my mom’s favorite hymn, in fact it is inscribed on her tombstone on top of her grave at Rose Hill Memorial Park. The final verse of Spafford’s hymn is a great reminder to us as believers that one day our faith will be sight. We shall see the Lord and all the suffering we face will no longer be present. So right now, let us continue to live a life of sanctification of the gospel with that future hope in mind. God will reward us with great peace and comfort, as He judges our enemies and oppressors simultaneously. Let us pray and ask God to give us the desire of goodness and faith.
Proverbs 28
No sin is ever hidden and we should always confess them to the Lord. It says in verse 13 that “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Have we sinned and not confessed them? It is better to confess them and seek mercy from the Lord.
Manipulation as a leader will always lead to a short reign whereas a selfless humble leader will enjoy a long reign. It says in verse 16 “A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gains ill enjoy a long reign.” President Ronald Reagan always had this quote on his desk that I have on my desk right now. It reads “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” How true is that statement that we must have the right intention as to why we are leading.
When we trust in ourselves we will always end up making foolish decisions. We must trust in God and ask Him for wisdom, discernment, and guidance. It says in verse 25-26 that “The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”