The Reward
1 THESSALONIANS 2:9 - 3:13
(October 10)
There is something that is so encouraging about working hard and seeing the reward of your labor. It makes all the effort of the task worth it.
We work hard in our jobs, and we receive a promotion. We work hard in school and get our names listed on the Honor Roll. Great effort in parenting brings the reward of respectful children (we hope!). Putting time into friendships strengthens them into something even more beautiful.
Yes ... it is definitely rewarding to see our hard work pay off. And that is exactly how Paul is feeling as he writes this portion of his letter to the Thessalonians.
He reminds them of how he and his fellow workers put great effort into their work while in Thessalonica so that they would not have to depend on the believers to support them. Everything they did was done with honesty and integrity, urging with all their might for the Good News to reach the minds and hearts of the people.
What joy they found in knowing their efforts had paid off, and these people were now walking with Christ. How good they must have felt to know their words did not fall on deaf ears but penetrated their hearts and directed them to a new way of life.
Even when they faced persecution for their beliefs, the Thessalonians did not stumble. When the Jews opposed them, they stood strong. The Jews were fearful that they would be lumped together with the Christians in any reprisals that were leveled against them.
The Jewish leaders held to the belief that Jesus was a false prophet. They didn't want his teachings to reach any more ears for fear that more Jews would become Christians and thereby, the Jewish political position might not have as much power. These Jews considered themselves "God's chosen people" and had no desire to share that label with Gentiles.
Paul and his co-workers had such a blessed time with the Thessalonians that they tried time and again to return to them. According to Paul, "Satan prevented us." Something evil prevented Paul from returning. It could have been a number of things ... opposition, illness, travel complications, or a direct attack by Satan. Whatever it was, Paul was certain that a very real Satan worked in some way to keep him from returning to them.
Think about it ... how many times have you been prevented from doing something you really wanted to do? Satan is as alive and active today as he was all those years ago. He will come against us at any and every opportunity. Only through the power of Christ can we stand strong against him.
Paul finally sent Timothy to check on the Thessalonians because he had heard they were going through some troubles. He had warned them that trouble would come their way. Timothy was to check on them and see if they were still standing strong and not letting the enemy get the best of them.
How delighted and full of joy he was when Timothy returned with the news that the Thessalonians were still filled with faith, love and joy. This was a great encouragement to Paul as he went through trial after trial. His heart had joy and thanksgiving as he continued to keep them in prayer.
What a great reward that must have been to Paul, a person who suffered so much disappointment, pain, and discouragement. To see the effort he put into the Thessalonians had not been wasted time surely filled his heart with gladness.
What should we learn from today's scriptures? My takeaway is that the things that are difficult in life are worth it if they make a difference for the Kingdom of God. It is not always easy to share the gospel, but it is so rewarding to know you helped change a life for the better. We should never stop striving, never stop standing against the enemy, always seeking strength from Christ to share the Good News and grow the kingdom.
Our reward? How does an eternal life with Jesus sound? I'll take that prize any day!