1 Thessalonians 3

Paul loved his ministerial companions, but he was willing to be parted from Timothy for a time so that he might gain a first-hand report from his son in the faith about the persecuted new church in Thessalonica. He had a gospel affection and concern for the people in this church, though he had spent very little time with them. This is something that is a common Christian experience in every era. We may find ourselves genuinely concerned about some brothers and sisters in the faith that we have never even seen, but our sense of connection with others in far-off churches grows dramatically by our experience of visiting them in person and sharing with them, if only for one or two weeks, something of their lives.

That kind of experience makes sense for those who follow a God who was willing to visit us in person, and who has borne our grief and carried our sorrows. Christ not only has affection for us, He has proven His love. He gave His life that we might live. This is the One we worship, and it is completely appropriate for us to have not only feelings of love for others in far-off places who are a part of the Lord’s household, but even to be able to build on such gospel impulses with sacrificial gifts and works that display the love of Christ in person to others.

Paul’s concern for the church was in part based on the persecution that forced the apostle out of the city in the first place. He sent Timothy to find out how everything was going, but also because he saw the ministry of the Word as an important weapon in the fight for this church. In any kind of battle, we should expect both sides to have some power at their disposal. The forces against the gospel should not be underestimated. Affliction against the church can be very powerful. Some who profess faith in the Lord may be knocked off course by the unpleasantness of those against them. But we have power too. It is with this in mind that we need to consider the ministry of the Word. Here is the force of God by the power of the Spirit working through the words of this young servant Timothy. When Paul sends Timothy to Thessalonica, he expects that his words will be powerful by God’s own power, helping the church to hold on to the faith.

The force of gospel enemies should not surprise the church. It is part of our ministry of the Word to warn the beloved concerning the fact of opposition to the message of Christ. This is an element of the message of the cross. If they treated the King of glory that way, do not be surprised when His foot-soldiers face enemy fire. But remember that the Lord won through His suffering. There may be something of that kind of winning happening amongst us if we face significant persecution. If so, it is our destiny, for it is by the Lord’s hand that we are privileged to suffer for His name. We have been entrusted with suffering as a gift. It may require a faithful minister of the Word to remind us of this strangely comforting truth.

Ultimately our battle is not against flesh and blood. Some who may be throwing rocks against us today we expect to be fresh recruits for the Lord’s family of love tomorrow. The tempter seeks not only that we would shrink in the face of the one who threatens us as his enemy. He also would strike a blow against us by filling us with an ungodly hatred of others. If we turn away from the life of Christian love, we may bring disgrace upon those who led us to faith.

Thankfully the news from Timothy is far better than this fear. The saints in Thessalonica continue to have belief and trust in the Lord who persevered in love for us to the end. They are living out their faith in love, and they remember Paul and the messengers of the cross with gratitude, longing to see them again. This is good news three times over. The gospel itself is good news; when it is believed it is good news, and when young faith holds steady in the face of a formidable foe it is good news yet again. Though Paul himself will continue to face affliction as he serves the Lord, it is no small aid to him to hear this report. It helps us to know that the Lord is blessing. We understand from the Scriptures that He is for us, but it helps to have this truth supported by the progress of the church, especially when a concerted effort against the Lord’s people has failed. Thank God for His many blessings! We need them all.

That helps encourage us further in our prayers, since we see fresh evidence that God hears our cries. We thank Him for His abundant mercies. The greatest mercy we have is the cross. If everything else is taken away, nothing can separate us from that perfect expression of love. But we will take all of the Lord’s help for us as we seek the glory of His Name in a dangerous world.

A report like Timothy’s is very good, yet it is still not enough for people who know the blessing of a visit from God in the person of Jesus Christ. Loving Him, we love His people. We cannot be fully satisfied until we see the ones we love in person. Most of all we long for the return of our Savior. On that day we will have the blessing of His return forever, and He will not come alone. He will have with Him all who are His, even the great church in Thessalonica from so long ago, and Paul, Timothy, and so many others who have known the love of God expressed to us so powerfully in Christ. Until that day may we continue to grow in love and holiness as those long for His appearing.