Jeremiah 22:1-23:20 / 2 Thessalonians 1 / Psalm 83 / Proverbs 25:11-14
Many people throughout history have sought to make a name for themselves. It’s human nature to want to live well and leave a legacy. All of us want to be remembered for the good things we’ve done, and we hope that the mistakes we’ve made will be forgiven and forgotten. Have you ever considered that as Jesus followers we have another name to make great? And how can a human house the Sovereign Lord and do His name justice? Those are some big shoes to fill!
2 Thessalonians 1:12 NLT is written as a prayer for the people of God in the city of Thessalonica. Because of this prayer, we have hope that we will be able to honor the name of Jesus Christ through our clay vessels. Here is what that verse states: We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The church in this city lived under heavy persecution yet they stood strong in their faith. Verse 11 tells how Paul, Silas and Timothy were praying for the church. Their prayers included that their every desire for goodness would be brought to fruition, and that every good deed would be prompted by faith.
The prayers were not to remove the persecution, but that goodness and faith would reign during suffering. It is during times of trial that Christ is most glorified in us. It is easy to stand strong when we’re experiencing only blessing; the true test comes when we are being tested with lack or hardship.
What does it mean that the name of Christ is “glorified” in us? I think it’s time for a word study! Glorify from the KJV dictionary means to praise; to magnify and honor in worship; to ascribe honor to, in thought or words.
It’s interesting that the definition mentions our thoughts. Nothing comes out of our mouths unless we have first thought about what we’re going to say. Some give little thought before speaking and some give much thought. Our words may seem to be giving praise, but if our hearts are set in another direction, our words will be hollow.
How does one give glory to God in troubled times? We can’t simply pretend we are not suffering and speak. It’s in those times of difficulty that we must hang our praise on the goodness of God and not on the circumstances we are facing. God is good no matter what is happening. Evil and trials come to everyone, but that does not change God’s character.
Verse 11 mentioned a desire for goodness. What is “goodness” in this verse? The definition of the Greek word used for goodness is uprightness of heart and life, or kindness. Think about it. The people of God were suffering persecution, yet they maintained a right heart and were kind to those around them. Many would be angry and try to either defend themselves or attack those who were attacking them. Maybe the believers in Jesus knew that their kind response when facing persecution would allow those who did not believe in Jesus to listen to the message of the Good News.
Paul, Silas, and Timothy speak of being thankful for the brothers and sisters in this city because their faith is growing, and their love is increasing even while they are being unfairly harassed. I’m sure these Jesus followers were an example to many.
What about you and me? How do we respond when we face personal injustice? Do we respond with anger, disbelief that we would be treated this way? I have been guilty of both, and much more. The Lord is still working in my heart to quickly forgive those who are unjust toward me. I pray you allow Him to do the same for you.
