Thursday after Oculi Sunday
Posted on March 24, 2022 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
The Apostle presents a complete, yet brief, description of a truly faithful minister of the Lord: the true minister’s message is God’s good news (the Gospel). The faithful minister’s motive is not infected with impurity, nor does he focus on pleasing people or allow greed and seeking praise from people to drive the message. The truly faithful minister’s only motivation must be pleasing God.
This style of ministry does not tolerate deception, flattery, or a camouflaging of sin—but has a spirit of courage, gentleness, love, toil, and holiness. This ministry presents only Jesus Christ, and Him crucified for the atonement of the sins of the world, with a level of love and care for those receiving the Gospel that presents the true love of God for His Creation. Such a ministry, and such a minister, is driven by righteous love for the recipient, never allowing the use of false or flattering language that conceals the speaker’s intention, or seeks at getting money or glory from his hearers.
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, 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 the 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.
