Our Scripture meditation is based on 1 Thessalonians 3:11–13, part of the Epistle reading for next week.
[11] Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, [12] and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, [13] so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
This is an intriguing Scripture reading for the start of a new Church Year.
The Apostle Paul and his companions evangelized in the city of Thessalonica during Paul’s second mission tour. As both Jews and Gentiles were coming to faith in the city, a great deal of opposition to the Gospel was stirred up by Jewish leaders in Thessalonica. Paul and his companion were forced to flee. Later Paul wrote that, when they tried to return to Thessalonica, “Satan hindered us.” (I Thessalonians 2:18)
It is clear from Paul’s writings that he had quickly bonded with the new converts in Thessalonica. It grieved him that he couldn’t preach and teach for a longer period. Out of this longing Paul asks that the Lord make the Thessalonians Christians “increase and abound in love for one another and for all.” The reason for this request? So that the Christians in Thessalonica hearts would become “blameless in holiness before our God and Father.”
It is intriguing to have this passage the first Sunday in the new Church Year. What would happen if we asked God to make our love increase and abound for one another and all this next church year? Would this result in our hearts becoming more blameless in holiness before God?
I don’t think we can fully comprehend all the ways growing in our love for one another would positively impact our congregations. Extending that love to those outside the church, our neighbors and acquaintances, our co-workers and fellow students, would strengthen our witness of Christ.
May our Lord continue to bless all our churches during this new Church Year, even as we focus on Christ through each season of this new year.
Kevin Wilson 360 