Thursday after Oculi
Posted on March 11, 2021 by under
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 (NKJV)
2:1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
Devotion
When St. Paul says their coming to the Thessalonians “was not in vain,” he is expressing his firm belief in the Word of God. “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; …it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Is. 55:11).
In so far as the preacher has been called and ordained by God, he is “approved” to speak the Gospel to the congregation. God’s approval of the pastor does not allow him to speak “error or uncleanness…nor…deceit,” for falsehood does not accomplish God’s purpose. Misapplied commands and exhortations of the divine Law will not accomplish God’s purposes. Neither is the pastor authorized to bring his own human “demands.” Like St. Paul, the pastor is not to use “flattering words” to “please men” or manipulate the members.
In these eight short verses St. Paul speaks of the Gospel three times! The preaching of the Gospel of God is never in vain. The Gospel is the good news of the free promise of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. “The gospel of Christ…is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). The coming of St. Paul, Silas, and Timothy was not in vain because they imparted the Gospel of God.
When you have attended Divine Service and the pastor has boldly preached the Gospel message, you can be sure that God’s Word has gone forth to accomplish His purpose, “to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith” (1 Thess. 3:2).
Prayer: We beseech Thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of Thy humble servants and stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty to be our defense against all our enemies, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
