photo by Eradio Valverde, Jr.
What does our life say about God?
From 2 Thessalonians 1: 1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of everyone of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring.11 To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Churches talk. They share the good and the bad of what's going on, with the pastor(s) sometimes being the main topic of discussion. Paul in this passage shares that he is blessed when he hears of the good being done for the work of advancing the good news of Jesus Christ. And who wouldn't boast of those believers whose faith was growing abundantly? And who also loved one another? And not only that but that the love between believers was also growing. Therefore, Paul boasted of this group's ability to grow in love and faith even while suffering much. In the midst of persecutions and afflictions, they were still all about God. And Paul and his group continued to pray for these believers in all ways, "worthy of His call and will fulfill by His power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be gloried in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
I am thankful that we don't suffer the kinds of persecutions and afflictions that the ancient church endured. Yet, we live as if nothing really matters, and that we can continue a path of comfort and safety. We tend to be more like society in not agreeing with each other and quickly and easily finding lines which separate us from loving each other as we should. We lose faith with the first pains that come our way. expecting that things should go our way as painless and effortless as they can. In yesterday's gospel reading, the life of Zacchaeus was challenging. He was a chief tax collector, and so endured the criticism of holding such a position. His being short also probably made him uncomfortable, but when he met jesus, his life changed for the good forever. He became a man of faith and a man who on the spot made everything right that he had made wrong. Indeed, the Lord was glorified in him and he in Him. May it be so for us as well.
PRAYER: Amazing God of love, bring forth Your glory in me so that I may show how You have blessed me. In the face of afflictions and persecutions may I always shine forth your love. Increase my faith is my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
