1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 (NRSV)
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 2You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, Verse 2but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. Verse 3For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, Verse 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. Verse 5As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; Verse 6nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others,
Verse 7though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. Verse 8So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.
Devotion
The message of Jesus Christ crucified and risen seems like utter foolishness before it is believed to be that which announces forgiveness, life and salvation from sin, death and the devil. It makes absolutely no sense that God would come to us, in human form, as Jesus. And, that this Jesus would teach, preach and heal in such a way that things happened as the words escaped his mouth; that he would be crucified in the manner of sinners; and, that three days later, he was raised for you and me.
It’s foolish that God would choose to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, heal the terminal and raise the dead to get this word heard. And yet, it is through this foolish message through foolish people that God’s power is unleashed.
Prayer
Foolish God, your word never goes out in vain. Speak to us so that we may speak. Amen.