– 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a -In our Epistle lesson for this week Paul greets the
Thessalonians and thanks God for their faithful service of faith and love. This
is the first of a series of readings from the book written by the Apostle Paul.
With respect to the Gospel lesson for the week – The
Thessalonians render to God what God deserves. As for the Old Testament lesson;
as Cyrus was chosen, God chose the church of Thessalonica. (Vs. 4) 1
Thessalonians is Paul’s earliest letter from Corinth ca. 50 A.D. He was writing
to a Gentile congregation. Accordingly, he refers to their turn from idols to
God, to their deliverance from sin through the cross and resurrection, and to
their hope for Jesus’ return. In these opening verses, Paul thanks God for
their faith, love, and hope. They prove that God has chosen them through the
gospel which he preached. Moreover, they imitated the example of Paul and thus
they became examples to the other churches.
The fruit mentioned above indicates that the
Thessalonian Christians were chosen by God to be His people. How did these
people become people of faith, hope and love? Paul says it was the power of the
Word which be brought. The gospel was proclaimed in a dynamic way, not only in
word but in power and with conviction.
In short, Paul in his introductory remarks thanks God
for these Christians in Thessalonica. Do we today ever think of thanking God
constantly in our prayers for the church? There is good reason to thank God for
the church today. Take time this day to thank God for the church because of her
work of faith her labor of love and her endurance in hope.
Lord we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Image of the Trinity copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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