The Example of Endurance

Scripture: We must always thank God for you, brothers. This is right, since your faith is flourishing and the love each one of you has for one another is increasing. Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God’s churches—about your endurance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you endure. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

Observation: Once again, Paul introduces his letter to Thessalonica with encouragement to overcome persecution. He tells them even that he uses them as an example to other churches - that he boasts of them to the other churches specifically about how they are overcoming persecution from outside their church while remaining a thriving and loving community of faith. In fact, if you summarized Paul's entire message in two letters to the Thessalonians, it would be:

-- I know you're being persecuted.
-- I know you are also faithful and loving.
-- You are an example to all other churches!
-- I don't need to teach you anything because you clearly already get it.
-- However, I will answer your questions about Jesus' coming.

Application: I am reminded today that ... persecution is coming. The "mystery of lawlessness" isn't such a mystery, but is that evil will continue to pervade the world, and in that evil human rebellion against Jesus will expand as the societal norm. Already, God's own teachings are under systematic attack from sanctioned government sources. Faith in Jesus is under attack in violent ways in many areas of the world. This will increase.

And just like the Thessalonians, I pray for Jesus to come. I wish he would do so now, and seek comfort in understanding if he will return soon. I would desire final judgment over human persecution. This was what the Thessalonians wanted ... a word of encouragement that perhaps they wouldn't have to endure much longer.

Yet they are the example to cling to because, despite Paul telling them "we don't know when," they endured all. They were filled with faith and love. They even grew in their faith through shared hardships.

Persecution of the church has always existed; it is now here, and will increase. I wish my family and I were not here for it. But I also pray for the endurance and strength of the Thessalonians.

Prayer: Lord, your Church seeks your face, your comfort, and your return. May our faith and love increase, even through uncertainty regarding laws, conflicts, and behaviors. May our light shine all the more as the darkness of night increases around us. Amen.