Jump Start # 3994
1 Thessalonians 1:2 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers.”
Our verse is a very common expression that we find often throughout the N.T. Because of that, it is easy to fly through it, not think much about it and dig for deeper gems in surrounding verses. But, don’t do that. Don’t let these simple words and common greetings pass by without pausing and thinking about them. Remembering that every word in God’s book is important.
It is easy to focus upon what is not right within our congregations. Some are not as strong as they ought to be. Some do not attend as often as they could. Some do very little. And on and on and on we complain. But, where would we be without our congregation?
Notice several important aspects:
First, Paul was giving thanks to God for “ALL OF YOU.” That would include the strong ones as well as the weak ones. That would include those that taught and those that would not teach. That would include those who may not have understood what happens when a Christian dies or falls asleep (chapter 4).
As in our personal families, our congregations are made up of those who carry the load so well. It is also made up of those who must be looked after and can add very little. Paul was thankful. Without a congregation, we’d be worshipping alone in our homes. We’d have to come up with all the teaching, leading, and everything. Without our congregation, there would be few to talk to on a deeper spiritual level. Without our congregation, who would encourage us? Paul was thankful. Are we? Am I?
Second, Paul mentioned the Thessalonians to God, “making mention of you in our prayers.” He didn’t just think about the Thessalonians, make plans for them, work on sermons and classes for them, he named them to Heaven. He knew without God, they would not be his brethren. He knew without God they would still be worshipping idols. God had made a difference and Paul was so thankful.
Third, Paul told the Thessalonians about his prayers. We don’t do that very often. We tell each other about Bible studies we’ve had. We share what books we are reading. We ask for help in dealing with others. Without Paul saying this the Thessalonians likely would have never known. “I’m praying for you,” is such a powerful statement when true and genuine. It indicates that you mean so much to me that I want to take your name to Heaven. It means that I am thankful for you. I recognize the good that you are doing, your walk of faith and your involvement and I want you to know that I told the Lord about that.
This statement is encouraging. It prompts a response back. It would be hard to hear these words read aloud and not for someone to pray to Heaven for Paul. Like the endless circle in a marriage, the bonds of fellowship go round and round, helping each other.
We preachers get the honor of being in a lot of congregations every year. We are invited to speak and teach. It’s not uncommon to worship with a dozen or more churches every year. We are there for a few days and off we go to other places. Paul was with the Thessalonians for a few months and then to Athens and then to Corinth. More brethren. More new Christians. Yet, he didn’t forget those Thessalonians. He mentioned them to God in his prayers. He was thankful for them.
I write this on a Sunday morning. I’m soon to head to the church building. It will be busy. The building will fill with people who want to worship God. The Lord’s Supper has been prepared by someone. The building will be warm and the lights will all be on. Our media team will be busy recording and livestreaming. Our song leader has chosen and practiced the songs. Our teachers will have printed material, studied and are set to teach. We walk in and everything is ready. So many have been busy giving their best to make worship the best. Do I notice? Am I thankful? Have I told them?
On a personal note, I understand this. Nearly every day, one of our Jump Start readers will reach out and thank me for something that I have put in words. Since I announced my coming retirement from local work, many have offered to send money to keep these Jump Starts going. That is so precious and kind. That will not be necessary, but I recognize the deep love and connection. It has caused me to be thankful to God for you.
I believe the more thankful we are of each other, the less we notice things to complain about. I believe the more we tell others that I’ve thanked God for you, the stronger our ties and connections will be.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of YOU in our prayers.
I needed that simple reminder. How about you?
Roger