Image from godnewsalert.org
You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully maltreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8)
Imagine being in a building that is on fire and hearing someone say, "I don't mean to hurt your feelings, or inconvenience you, but though you are busy in conversation or other matters, I thought you might like to know that our building is on fire, and if it isn't too much to ask, please leave the building." You're right, you won't hear that. You'll hear a loud, sharp buzzer or someone yelling, "Fire!" I remember one night staying in a hotel when the buzzer and red lights on each floor started flashing, and doors opening. We didn't see smoke, and most very zombie-like filed out of their rooms, away from the elevators to the exit doors. And we were on the sixth floor, the top floor of that particular hotel; it was a cold night, and off we followed the crowd to the outside until we got the all clear sign and we were able to return to our rooms. Paul's message was more like, "Fire!" He was spiritually on fire for Jesus, and wanted everyone to be. In this passage he reminded the people in the church of Thessalonica that all he and his companions did was out of love for God, with the courage of God to share the Good News of God in spite of those who opposed them. Paul wanted people to be right with God and urged all to convert. Paul says, our ministry was in pleasing God not pleasing people. You never heard a message of flattery or greed on our part, we came to save you. In no way did we seek to please you in such a way that you would praise us.
Paul's ministry through urgent, was caring, thoughtful, and loving. I love the image of a nurse that he uses, as an example of the care he wanted to share with each soul. And that's the type of ministry you and I have been called to; sharing the urgency of getting right with God but in a manner that cares for one and other. At no point can our decisions and actions be done only to please our audience, but to please and serve God who has sent us. We give of God's love, but we also give of ourselves, so that others may see the power of God working to get us where we are; in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Loving God, grant us the courage and boldness of Paul to share the urgent message of salvation. Help us to lovingly care for those who have not yet heard nor received the Good News. Give us the words and opportunities to share and care. This we pray in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Get people ready for living a life of faith.
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Update: Yesterday, our brother Larry Ehrig was awaiting a time for surgery. I visited him early morning and by late afternoon we had not heard of a time set yet. I visited our sister, Ann Keck, who was in good spirits and according to her, better than she had been in some days. So, please continue to pray for them and all on our prayer lists so that God may be gloried.
