September 19, 2021 -- I Thessalonians 2:19-20 -- Trophies of Grace

Children, loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.
I Thessalonians 2:19-20 ESV

Ask yourself this question: “Who shared with me the Good News of Jesus Christ and His salvation?” If you think of a person, or people, perhaps you receive a warm feeling of thankfulness at the mention of their names. Such people were persistent in their faith in Jesus Christ and persistent in their love for you. Paul is speaking from the point of view of being the one who brought the message of salvation to the Thessalonian Christians. Notice the staccato beats of joy sounding one after another.

The Thessalonians are a sign of Paul’s hope. If you tell others about Jesus, you do so from the overflow of your heart. Sharing the Gospel is a sign that the love of the Father has taken hold of your heart. The message of Who Jesus is in your life is a message of joy! Look at what I once was and see what I am now. It is pure joy. As we share this joy, we realize we are midwives at the new birth of Christians, those birthed by the Spirit into new life in Christ, what joy is ours.

The Thessalonian Christians are for Paul a crown of boasting before our Lord. In Greek culture the marathon runners received a laurel wreath, a crown as the sign of their victorious run. One sure sign that Christians are victorious in this marathon of faith is the men and women who believe in Jesus Christ because of our testimony about Jesus. Yet that boast takes place before the Lord, in a sense we are kneeling in our boast and joy, bringing credit to Jesus uplifting our hands as we honour the Father. This because the Father had in love, sent the Spirit Who directed others to teach us first of Jesus and His love so that we in turn could be equipped to teach others.

Mighty God, clothed in glory and splendour, blessed and great are You in all Your ways. Thank You for those who instructed us in the Good News of Jesus, Your Beloved Son, our Savior. Blessed God, thank You for the glory and joy of sharing our knowledge of and life in Jesus with others. Through our witness, bring many sons and daughters from the ruins of sinfulness into the well-ordered new life and glory that is ours in Christ. Such sinners, now redeemed, are trophies of grace in Jesus Christ. Let our lives be lined with such trophies as we kneel before Jesus, the Captain of Salvation May the knowledge of Your greatness cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen.

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