The Thursday after Oculi Sunday
Posted on March 12, 2026 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
Many have heard the phrase “speaking truth to power.” It is a phrase especially applied in the realm of politics. But often the “truth” that is spoken falls into the nebulous, but rather popular, category known as “my truth.” “My truth” is nothing more than a re-categorizing and amplifying of one’s own opinion.
But then there is the Truth, Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Sometimes when His word is preached, people respond with their version of the truth, which is not the truth, but rather their opinion. No matter what God’s Word rightly has to say about any particular political issue, they think “my truth” shall prevail over God’s Word.
From the first chapter of Thessalonians we learn that it was Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy who were writing to the Christians in Thessalonica. These three had been mistreated in Philippi. The account in Acts 16 tells of a girl “possessed with a spirit of divination” whose “truth” made a great deal of money for her handlers. After she had repeatedly hounded Paul, Paul cast out the demon, and with that the cash register quit ringing for her handlers. As a result, the handlers brought charges against Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, who were beaten and then imprisoned. The handlers thought their “truth” had prevailed. Then God intervened. There was an earthquake, the jail doors were opened, the shackles released, and Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were set free. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only Truth that sets us free.
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 those 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.
