Proper 26
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

Even though they believed that the return of Christ was imminent, the Church of Thessalonica can be categorized as a growing church. Their faith was growing in spite of persecution and trials. Their love for each other was increasing as their love for the Lord was increasing. It would be so easy for them to give up, but they had much to look forward to.

What can we learn as a modern day church from the ancient Church of Thessalonica? First of all, we need to remember that God’s power has always triumphed over evil. We need to remember how the book ends--God wins!

The message of the Gospel is still relevant today. People are still lost. The mission is not complete until the Lord says so. When we tell the story of what the Lord has done for us it brings hope to others. It also lifts up the name of our Lord and brings praise and glory to Him.

We often forget that God’s power is not diminished by the evil of the day. As such we cannot live in a spirit of defeat. The Lord promised that at the appointed time all things would come into place. He will bring about justice for those who believe in Him and call on His name.

We need each other as a body of believers. As such we need to be accountable to each other. We, too, need to support each other in our weaknesses. It will help us stay faithful and to keep our feet from slipping when we are tempted to give in. We must also give comfort to each other when we have been dealt a blow by the enemy.

Paul prays constantly for the Thessalonicans. Without it our very lifeline to the Lord is lost. Through the power of prayer we receive everything we need to continue what the Lord began in us when we were saved. Prayer helps us keep the faith.

While we may be in the last generation before the Lord’s return, the Christians of Thessalonica believed the same for them. They continued as if He were coming back any second, but kept on working as if it would not happen in their lifetime. We need to follow their example and be the growing, witnessing Church that the Lord has called us to be.

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