Sheila W. - November 28, 2010
Scripture:
Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
1 Thessalonians 3:2,5-10,12 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 5 I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love...7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
Observation:
I love how these scriptures complement each other! Jesus is giving the Great Command in Matthew--verses that are deep in the heart of every evangelical Christian, and then I read in 1 Thessalonians of it being lived out!! Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, about how he sent Timothy to find out how they were all doing in their journey with Christ and he receives a great report--they are growing in their walk and being true disciples of Jesus!
Application:
I'm always intrigued when reading about how the New Testament church "worked" in the practical sense. The fact that Paul thought all of their labor might be in vain and sent someone to "check up" on the church in Thessalonica makes discipleship and ministry more "touchable" for me, less unrealistic. There were struggles in that new era of the Church just as there are today.
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for showing me Your ways. Thank You for Your Word that shows us how to minister to others. I pray that I would always trust You, no matter what things look like around me. When I feel discouraged, help me to remember that You are in control and that although there will always be struggles here on earth doing Your work, there will be a remnant of people who will serve You in love and truth. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment