Proper 25: Epistle, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13                   

1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

This week we peek in again on Paul’s relationship, better fellowship, with the young Christian congregation at Thessalonica. The letter written in the early 50’s A.D. was penned to encourage this church and community that had captured the heart of the Apostle on his second missionary journey. He spends the bulk of the second chapter defending and reassuring the recipients that he is legit and that the message and the work behind it are not for his benefit but theirs.

Some of the most tender language used by Paul in his letters is written here: “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (v. 7). “For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God” (v. 11). What does this mean? Good Lutheran question. At the very least, it gives us indication that Paul saw his role as pastor and teacher as that of one leading a family. Pastors read carefully. Paul leaves clues. There is ownership pointed to here. And I don’t think that is too strong a word. You could use “stewardship” and be correct. But Paul sees, in a very real sense, that these are his children.

One more point today. What thrills Paul as he sends this letter? What is lodged in Paul’s mind regarding his kids in Thessalonica? “And we also thank God constantly for this,that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers” (v.13). They received, and hold, and currently treasure Paul’s message as the word of God. We hear that phrase so often I wonder if we really, REALLY believe it in a way that it holds sway in us as it should? And I am the first reflection I see in the mirror. The WORD OF GOD!  This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! Praise to You, oh Christ! Really? Could Paul write that to me? Today? “As what it really is, the word of God”? 

I’m a bit troubled because he says the word they received is at work. I don’t think we always see its work. We’re not that perceptive. But God’s message is so clear and powerful and so very different from any other message we hear in this world, we ought to at least see the Author. Clearly. And that should change us. Definitely. Give us hearts to savor Your Word, O Lord.