2
Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17— Paul wishes that God’s blessings may come to
His people. In a day of discouragement, depression, and despair many feel there
is no hope out of their troubles. Some consider themselves or others as
hopeless. Hope disappears when we think that things will never improve. Are we
doomed to things as they are? But, there is hope, for hope is not based on us
or on the world but on God. Hope is a gift of God. If we go to God, we can have
hope. For hope is ultimately based on God’s nature. In verse 16 two eternal
truths are brought forward. God loves us in Christ and God has saved you
through the grace of Christ.
Paul writes
to encourage his readers as they face tribulation to remain courageous in their
attitude and activity. The epistle is riddled with exhortations to “hang in
there” and “Keep plugging.”
Note also
the direction or shape of this reading; from general to particular, from large
to small, from doctrine to practice, from justification to sanctification, from
faith to good works. It begins with a brief review of basic Christian doctrine
(Vv.13-14) then turns to the area of Christian behavior (Vv.15-17), then urges
a specific Christian action; namely prayer. (3:1-2) The passage is shaped like
a funnel or an inverted pyramid.
God of
power and mercy, protect us from all harm. Give us freedom of spirit and health
in mind and body to do Your work on earth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Your Son who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God,
forever and ever. Amen [2]
Collect for Thursday of the week of Pentecost 22: Almighty God, Thou Who art the Protector of all who hope in Thee, without Whose grace no one is able to accomplish anything, nor is anything worthy in Thy sight. Let us richly experience Thy mercy so that through Thy holy inspiration we may think what is right and through Thy direction and action also accomplish the same; for Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord’s sake. Amen (Martin Luther) [3]
[1] Image of
the cross, © Ed Riojas Higher Things
[2] Lutheran
Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House,
[3] Collect
for Thursday of the week of Pentecost 20, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For
and By the Church, Vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau,
Delhi, NY
No comments:
Post a Comment