1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

And we, brothers and sisters, after being separated from you all for an hour of time, in face and not in heart, we greatly endeavored to see your face in much desire because we desired to come to you all – I, Paul, once and again – and Satan prevented us.  For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting – if not you all – in the presence of our Lord Jesus in His coming?  For you all are our glory and joy.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul talks a little about the reality of life.  Sometimes we are separated from those who are spiritually meaningful to us.  Sometimes we are called elsewhere and our heart still has meaning in a different place.  That doesn’t mean that something is wrong with what we are doing.  It means that we are human beings and form attachments that cannot always be sustained.  If we give our life to God, we must be flexible enough to allow our spiritual relationships to revolve in and out of His plan.  Paul also gives us perspective in these situations.  He literally says, “For an hour of time.”  Figuratively, Paul is saying that it is for a small period of time.  What is an hour compared to a lifetime?  What is an hour compared to the eternity of God?

Where is your heart spiritually?  How many places would you want to be?  How is God using you now where you are?

Second Thought:

Paul then confesses a deep spiritual truth.  Satan prevented Paul’s return.  We don’t know the details of how this happened, but Paul clearly points the figure of blame to Satan.  There are two things that I would like to bring out regarding this point.  First of all, Paul takes Satan very seriously.  Second, Paul recognizes that Satan does have power in this world.  Granted, Satan’s power cannot supersede God’s power.  But Satan’s does certainly have power in this world to oppose our efforts.  Anyone who has read the book of Job should understand this point as well.

Have you ever been thwarted by Satan and his power?  How do you understand and teach about how Satan can have power in spite of God’s omnipotence?  Why do you think that God allows Satan to exert his power upon those who are His servants?

Third Thought:

Because he has been thwarted, Paul wants the Thessalonians to know that they are his pride and joy.  When dealing with human beings, we have to be careful about relationships.  It is easy for people to think that they aren’t loved because they don’t get your time.  In some situations that might be true, but as we all know in most situations it isn’t the truth.  Distance may separate people, but it does not mean that they care any less.  That is Paul’s point.  So long as they remain in the Lord, Paul will love them as much as he loves any other person who is walking in relationship with the Lord.

Have you ever felt distant spiritually because of a physical distance?  What does this say about how our humanity influences our spirituality? 

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5