I've been reading through 1 Thessalonians and a verse has stuck with me over the last couple of days. Let me encourage you to read all of chapter 2 today. The purpose of this blog is help get you into your Scriptures so stop reading this blog, open up your Bible, read the chapter, and then come back to finish here. Go ahead. Right now.
Good job. So here is what stood out to me that I can't get out of my head. Paul is writing this letter to the church in Thessalonica, and he's recalling his time with the people there and what happened there and all that. Then toward the end of the chapter he talks about wanting to come visit in person but can't seem to make it. Then he says in verse 19-20, "For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?For you are our glory and joy."
In other words, Paul just told the people of this church, I'm proud of you. Knowing that you are following after Jesus on your own brings me joy. That thought brings me joy. You are following after Jesus no matter who the preacher is or whether your parents are following or not. The fact that you're gonna go after Jesus no matter the circumstances brings me joy.
During my first year of Bible college, both my Pastor (Ron Sears) and Youth Pastor (Sean Sears) had come to the colleg
e on a visit. Before they left, at individual times, both of them had pulled me aside, looked into my eyes and said, "I'm proud of you." I wasn't quite sure what that meant at the time. I didn't understand how I could make them proud. I felt a sudden desire to do right to keep that pride they had because of me. Now I understand. I was no longer under their ministry care, but I was still following after Jesus and growing! I remember thinking that I hope to one day begin saying to students out of my youth group, "I'm proud of you." I've had the privelege to say that phrase now to so ma
ny. So what brings me joy? Seeing students who are following after Jesus whether I'm around or not. They love Jesus and His Word. They are following Him and growing closer to Him every day. Man, that excites me! And you know what? I still get calls from my Youth Pastor and Pastor and when I tell them about my family and their extended spiritual family, they still tell me, "I'm proud of you." And that still humbles me to this day and makes me want to follow God with even more vigor.
e on a visit. Before they left, at individual times, both of them had pulled me aside, looked into my eyes and said, "I'm proud of you." I wasn't quite sure what that meant at the time. I didn't understand how I could make them proud. I felt a sudden desire to do right to keep that pride they had because of me. Now I understand. I was no longer under their ministry care, but I was still following after Jesus and growing! I remember thinking that I hope to one day begin saying to students out of my youth group, "I'm proud of you." I've had the privelege to say that phrase now to so ma
ny. So what brings me joy? Seeing students who are following after Jesus whether I'm around or not. They love Jesus and His Word. They are following Him and growing closer to Him every day. Man, that excites me! And you know what? I still get calls from my Youth Pastor and Pastor and when I tell them about my family and their extended spiritual family, they still tell me, "I'm proud of you." And that still humbles me to this day and makes me want to follow God with even more vigor. Will you follow Jesus with all you have today? If we on this earth can have this sense of joy when seeing others follow Jesus, what kind of joy do you think that brings Christ? What motivation! Why not plan your time for tomorrow (since you already did today ;) to spend some time with Him? He's waiting for you. And you coming to Him brings Him joy. See you soon!
Ron
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