“…for this
reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted
about you through your faith.” -I Thessalonians 3:7
The Apostle
Paul reflected upon the toils and troubles of gospel ministry. Jesus told us we
are not above our Teacher, whom the world persecuted and therefore will
persecute us (John 15:20). We suffer in the footsteps of He who suffered for us
(I Peter 2:21) and we shouldn’t be surprised to suffer (I Peter 4:12). In the
sharing of our Lord’s afflictions, we are blessed (Matthew 5:10-12).
In his
letter to the church family in Thessalonica, Paul said that the stress of his
ministry was comforted from the report from pastor Timothy regarding their
faith. John echoes this when he said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that
my children are walking in the truth” (III John 1:4).
Pastoral
ministry involves real lives, real sins, real marriages and families. There is
much pain involved, including accusations and injury from words from those who
delight in inflicting pain and division. Yet, I have discovered the joy of all
joys: to see a strong church family who truly loves one another and delights in
Christ together!
And this is
my plea to you, my beloved flock: delight in the Lord. Come and assemble on
Sunday mornings yearning to delight in Him together. Come and be encouraged in
the faith, then encourage each other in the faith. This brings comfort and joy
to the pastors, which makes this difficult calling of watch care for your soul
a joyful duty to our Lord, which is a benefit to the church (Hebrews 13:17). This
love is God’s means of grace of delight and comfort for the whole church. This
love displays the power and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the
Church.
Heavenly Father, with gratitude we praise
You for the unity of our church family. We thank You for the love we share. We
pray that Jesus may increase, and we may decrease, that You would be glorified
in Your people. We ask for Your mercy to treasure You more. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
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