Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 2:9-20

Scripture
“We really wanted to come. I myself tried several times but satan always stopped us.”

Observation
There are two stand-out themes here.

1 Paul's tender love for the church at Thessalonica. They were his favourites because they were people of outstanding faith. they were legends in the faith (ch. 1) and so easily picked up the gospel message, running with it whole-heartedly.

2. Paul tried to visit them, but satan stopped him. Paul-the great apostle of faith, mighty man of power, raiser of the dead- did not always get to do what he thought he should do. Satan opposed Paul even in the doing of good and God-directed things.


Application
I wonder how many people have the same attitude towards their church that Paul had towards Thessalonica's church. Pastors should have the same kind of tender love that Paul had for this church. Too often, though, they are worn down by excessive demands or by people who are manipulators. It is too easy for pastors and other church leaders to become cynical about their people and to lose their idealism about their calling. Pastors above all see the church at its worst, and only occasionally at its best.

What about other christians? Too many see the church as something “out there” or separate from themselves. It is very rare to hear for people to talk about their church in these tender terms.

In the middle of it all, is satan the accuser who resists all attempts by God's people to do God's will. If Paul faced opposition in his plans to serve the church, can we expect anything less? How often do we start off with some grand plan from God's Spirit only to find it's all too hard- distractions come up, family crises, discouragement, opposition, tiredness- whatever he can use satan will throw them at us. The words of James remain true, however- “Submit to God, resist the Devil and he will flee from you.”

Prayer
Father, please stir up in me a tender love for the church, for all your people. Let all cynicism and disappointment be banished from my heart in Jesus' name. Father stir up in me courage and persistence to resist the evil one. When I discern your plans for my life, may I be able to move forward, overcoming all of satan's opposition. Amen.