Upon Receiving a Good Report

Scripture: But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you - therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7

Observation: As Paul discusses his wish to return to Thessalonica, he tells them of the encouragement he has from the good report of Timothy as to their faith. He is encouraged to hear that their faith is thriving. So often, Paul gets reports of church plants where their faith is struggling, but not so for the Thessalonians, who are doing great, and who also remember fondly Paul.

Paul is uplifted by this report, because it shows to him and to others how a single church can thrive when its members act in love, study the scriptures, and meet regularly to encourage one another. Certainly they have problems and disagreements, but overall the church at Thessalonica is an example of a strong body of Christ. This is all Paul has ever really wanted to know about them ... that they thrive in the name of Jesus.

Application: How would the pastor or Westminster Chapel circa 1994 receive news about the Evergreen Church of 2019? I hope it would be with a similar joy. Sure, our church has human issues, like not everyone getting along, but overall we grow, we baptize new believers, we learn in a manner faithful to the word, and we are a positive light known throughout the community and even to the city's leadership.

I hope this is the same way Jesus would look up our church. Sure, we aren't perfect, and we could do a better job loving each other, avoiding gossip, sharing with one another. However, we are on mission, and it would seem we are blessed by the Holy Spirit as a result.

Prayer: Lord, I desire that, when you consider our church, you think about a good report, that you hear good news of our faith and love, and know that we sincerely desire to see you and know you deeper as well. Please guide us all, from the leaders to the newest attendees, in becoming stronger in our faith through service during this busy time of year. We desire only to be your light, your messenger, and your love reflected in this corner of the world. Amen.