The Thursday after Oculi Sunday
Posted on March 27, 2025 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
There is a difference between authority and power. Someone may seek authority to obtain power, but that is not a proper purpose of authority. The Apostle Paul, in explaining the conduct of his ministry as an Apostle, shows us the difference between unchecked power and Godly authority.
The Apostle Paul explains his conduct to show how a faithful minister is to act, proving that the Office of the Ministry is not for those who seek to have power over others in a selfish way. Paul states that he could have rightly asked for certain things from the Church at Thessalonica because he is an Apostle, but he chose not to burden the people. His love for the people and the common faith they shared made the Apostle Paul a spiritual father to them.
Authority in the Church is a good thing and God wants us to have pastors, deacons, and bishops that we can trust, so we can have peace under their authority. If your pastor shows love for you as he preaches the Word and gives the Sacraments faithfully, do not burden him but support him. Ministers look to the Apostle Paul, as he imitates Christ, even when it seems some hearers can be ungrateful. Seeking power for its own sake is not faithfulness to Christ. Authority which shows God’s care for His people is worthy of honor and should be practiced more and more, for the sake of all in the Church.
Collect: 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, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
