ESOCS Devotional 7 May 2024 – Hoping Fervently for His Return
MEMORY VERSE: “And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven – Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the One who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.” 1 Thessalonians NLT
TEXT: 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-10
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
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Members of the Thessalonian Church were strong hopefuls and believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They steadfastly worshipped and waited for the Master’s return. However, it looks as if that fervent hope was beginning to wane, when some ardent believers died without witnessing the Lord’s return. As young Timothy raised this concern, Paul assured them that those who died in Christ would rise again, (1 Thessalonians 4:16). He also gave them the assurance that when Jesus returned, all true believers would go to be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
In the same vein, we believers of today should face life’s troubles and death with confidence, provided we remain faithful at our duty posts in God’s service and in our lifestyle. In other words, we don’t need to tremble in unbelief, as those that have no hope. We rest assured that someday, the living Jesus Christ will return on the clouds of heaven to take us home unto glory (1 Thessalonians 4:17, John 14:1-3).
However, one thing is very paramount and noteworthy. That is the exemplary steadfastness of the Thessalonian disciples. They did not just wait and folded their hands in indolence. They were very busy setting good examples of evangelism, both within their immediate region and beyond (vv. 8-9). See also Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:18. Paul exerted great energy in appraising and appreciating the evangelistic efforts of these Thessalonian brethren.
Child of God, don’t just sit tight, and claim you believe. The harvest is overripe, but labourers are few. Wake up, and rise to the challenge. Time is running out, and so much of the world’s population is yet to be reached. Work, while you wait in hope. The Lord will certainly return to reward His faithful servants.
- The scoffers are saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” Advise them.
- Lord, give me the enabling grace to stand strong in my faith.
Further Reading: Exodus 5:1-14; 1 Kings 8:1-21; Mark 2:13-17
ESOCS Devotional 7 May 2024
