1 Thessalonians 2
“You are our glory and joy!”
How would you feel if someone said that
of you? “You, (INSERT YOUR NAME),
are our glory and joy!” It sounds rather
serious, doesn’t it? There’s something
deeper here than, “You are the apple of my eye.” Or, “You are my sunshine.” The latter speaks to someone’s affection for
another person. The former speaks to a relationship
before God.
It is a special and blessed thing to be
able to share the Gospel with someone.
To be used by God to share the forgiveness of Jesus’ cross and the hope
of His empty tomb is a great honor! Much
like a parent to a child, there is great affection for one who has been born
again from the one who testified about Jesus.
It is also a special and blessed thing
to have someone share the Gospel with you; whether for the first time when you
came to faith or later in your faith walk to remind you of God’s love and
forgiveness. As they share God’s Word,
they are delivering the power of God to give us God’s compassion and new
life. There is gratitude and affection
for the one who testified about Jesus from the one who has been born
again.
What a privilege it is to serve as a
Sunday School teacher, a VBS helper, a scripture reader, and as a witnesses at
work, school, and/or home! In my own
life I think of many who shared God’s Word, both Law and Gospel, with me and I
thank God for them because they were His hands, feet, and voice to create faith
in me so I can receive the eternal life Jesus won. Such people are worthy of love, honor and
respect!
The other side of that relationship is
one that doesn’t get explored too often.
What a joy it is for a teacher to hear a child learning to speak the
Lord’s Prayer. How great is the
happiness of a Bible study leader when a student articulates God’s grace! What pride arises when a parent sees her
child walking in the faith! How incredible
it is to hear someone say for the first time, “I believe in Jesus and I want to
be baptized!” Have no doubt; you are
their joy and glory!
Lord, give me more joy and glory as people
come to know you through me, that You may be glorified and have joy in me. Amen.
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