Encouragement in the face of Persecution

Scripture Passage that Caught My Attention Today: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, 3 so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain.

Observation: Paul was anxious to know how the Thessalonians were doing and also to encourage them in case their faith was wavering due to the persecutions. He also wanted them to know that they should not be surprised by the persecutions and that, in fact, that Paul and others were ‘destined’ for such things.

Application: I think it’s save to say that almost all of us would prefer some kind of easy life. You know…family harmony, vocational joy and clarity, financial security, robust health, stress-free interpersonal relationships, an abundance of time and all the rest.

In reality, most people have issues in one or more of the above areas. That’s life. But according to Paul, it might even be something more—discipleship. Paul sees persecution and/or struggle as going hand-in-hand with discipleship.

Now, to be clear, the persecution Paul was talking about was as a result of faith and not just standard life issues. Paul was facing persecution from zealous people from within the religious sector. It was a constant struggle. Still, he had planted seeds for a different and better kind of life among the Thessalonians and he was eager to know if those seeds had indeed taken root and whether they were hearty enough to withstand the challenges of the day. Timothy brought back a report in the affirmative. That was both a big relief and a joy!

These days pastors like myself are also encouraged when we see the roots of faith taking hold in people and we see them, by the grace of God, facing the challenges of their life with grace and candor. Sometimes we prayerfully fret about them, wondering how they’re holding up. But when the good news comes it brings a double-joy, first in regard to the people themselves and then for the encouragement in brings to us as we face our own dilemmas.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the faithful ways in which you encourage all your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.