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Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

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Scripture

as apostles of Christ, we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.

Observation

Paul had a right as an apostle to make demands of the people he ministered to, that they support his ministry.

Instead he worked hard to support himself so that he would not be a burden on anyone. The Thessalonians themselves were witnesses to his honesty and devotion in this.

He was like a father to them – pleading, encouraging, and urging them to live their lives in a way that is worthy of God’s Kingdom.

Application

There are people who minister with a servant’s heart or a father’s heart. Then there are those who see their ministry as an entitlement to demand things of others.

Ministry as relationship is more authentic and more faithful to the gospel than ministry as business.

There are times in any ministry when the resources are tight. These are opportunities to grow our ability to trust in the Lord.

Paul’s attitude was like that of Christ. He was there to serve the church, not to be a burden to it. He supported himself by earning a living by making tents.

Nowadays, there are many models and paradigms for financing ministry. We should always endeavour to not be a burden on the church. And above all, we must avoid the mentality that we are entitled to special consideration, special honour, special treatment within the church.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the ministry you have entrusted to me. Please help me to stay genuinely humble, a servant to your flock. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

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Scripture

As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.

Observation

Paul’s visit to Thessalonica was not a failure. He was treated badly at Philippi, even imprisoned there, but God gave him courage to preach the gospel boldly.

Paul speaks as the messenger approved by God. His purpose is always to please God rather than people.

Application

People pleasing is a big temptation for individual christians and for the church.

We want to fit in and get along with other people. But our beliefs and our message can cause controversy.

People are not always open to the message of the gospel or to its messengers.

Churches can soften their doctrines to avoid offending people. We want to be able to reach people without causing offence.

But the gospel is offensive to many people, especially those who want to live their lives according to their own standards and don’t want “religious nuts” telling them they are sinners.

We are citizens of another Kingdom, and we must live by the values of the Kingdom. That will cause some to be offended.

But as citizens of God’s Kingdom, it is God’s approval we must live for, not human approval. We must obey God and not be afraid to offend those who live in the world.

Prayer

Thank you Father for your gift of Salvation. Please help me to be like Paul, and to seek your approval alone. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10

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Scripture

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 judgement.

Observation

The word of the Lord, Paul says, was ringing out from this church in Thessalonica to people everywhere.

Paul says that wherever he goes, people tell him about the Thessalonians. They welcomed Paul and turned away from idols. Now they look forward to the coming of Jesus, for He is the one who rescued them from judgement.

Application

Our faith and our life are ultimately about the goodness of Jesus. The Thessalonians were famous everywhere for their testimony.

Any testimony worth it’s salt involves a telling about the past. What did Jesus do in your life that made a difference?

But a testimony must involve the present. How are you living now because of Jesus?

Then there is a future dimension as well. Jesus will return one day. We will go to heaven at some time. How does this knowledge give you hope for your destiny?

Most people are rushing towards watch Paul calls “the terrors of the coming judgement.” We have been rescued from that because Jesus paid the price to set us free from sin.

Hallelujah! What’s a Saviour!

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the excellent testimony you have given me. May my church become like that in Thessalonica which was a testimony that was heard everywhere. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7

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Scripture

When we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.

Observation

Paul, Silas, and Timothy are writing to the church in Thessalonica.

They thank God constantly and pray for the believers. They remember their faithful works, loving deeds, and their hope in Jesus Christ.

God loves them and has has chosen them to be his own people. When Paul brought the Good News to them, it wasn’t just in words, but the Holy Spirit gave them assurance of the truth of the message. They received the message with joy, even though it brought them suffering.

Application

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not empty words, the clever words of skilful speakers. No, it is life and light brought to us through the power and the grace of the Holy Spirit.

People are hungry for relationship with God and reconciliation through Christ. But they are living in deception and darkness. Unless the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin, they will not hear the Good News.

Praise God for the Holy Spirit who gives us this assurance that the gospel is true. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of our spirit so that we can see the light.

Every preacher of the gospel, and every hearer needs the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Holy Spirit come and fall afresh on me. Remind me of the power of the Good News. Fall on my friends who do not know you yet, so that they can receive your gentle conviction regarding sin. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Samuel 31:1-13

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Scripture

So Saul, his three sons, his armour bearerr, and all his troops died together that same day

Observation

The Philistines attack Israel, and the men of Israel flee from them. The Philistines kill Saul’s sons and severely wound Saul. Saul tells his armour bearer to kill him, but he refuses, so Saul falls on his own sword. The armour bearer follows his action.

The Philistines move in to occupy the towns of the Jezreel Valley. The Philistines hang Saul’s body and those of his sons on the walls of Beth Shan. The warriors of Jabez Gilead take the body down from the wall and bury them.

Application

Saul’s downfall is complete. His entire dynasty is destroyed in a single day.

When God withdraws his favour from a person, disaster is assured.

Some people subscribe to a doctrine of election that states, “Once saved, always saved.” in other words, we can continue to live in sin while believing that we are guaranteed eternal life.

Saul’s story shows that we cannot presume on God’s grace like that. Saul was once elected by God, but he refused to submit to God. He wanted to be King in his own strength.

To remain in God’s family, we must submit ourselves to being obedient to God. To follow Jesus is, by definition, to let him be King over my life.

Prayer

Father, please show me those parts of my life that are not submitted to you, and help me to surrender all to you. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Samuel 30:1-31

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Scripture

But David found strength in the Lord his God.

Observation

David and his men arrived home at Ziklag to find that the city has been burnt to the ground, and the women and children have been carried off, including David’s two wives.

The men weep, but some become very angry with David, threatening to kill him. But David finds strength in the Lord his God.

After consulting The Lord, David leads his men to chase the Amalekite raiders. Along the way, they find an Egyptian man – a slave of an Amalekite. He had been abandoned after the raid on Ziklag. He agrees to leave David to the Raiders camp.

David and his men slaughter the Amalekites and regain all their women and children.

Application

For the man of David’s army, the sight of their town burnt down and their women and children taken into captivity was heartbreaking. David had to deal with his own grief, as well as that of his men and the anger that was directed against him.

David found his strength in the Lord his God.

We look to many places for comfort and strength in tough times. Some of these might be innocent, but others can become destructive and lead us into places of addiction, adultery and so on.

We need to find our strength in the Lord. He has promised to always be with us, to give us courage, peace and comfort when we need them.

Sometimes life just seems overwhelming. At these times we need to build on the habits of prayer and reading scripture. If you do these things routinely in good times, you will instinctively do them in tough times.

Prayer

Father, you promise to supply all that I need. Thank you for that assurance. Help me to always find my strength in you. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Samuel 29:1-11

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Scripture

But Achish insisted, “As far as I am concerned, you are as perfect as an angel of God. But the Philistine commanders afraid to have you with them in battle.”

Observation

David and his men join the Philistine army as it prepares to fight against Israel. While Achish is happy to have David and his army, the other Philistines fear that he may turn on them and fight in support of Israel.

Achish summons David and tells him that he trusts Davi,d but the other commanders refuse to have him with them. He sends David home, as the Philistine Army moves on to Jezreel.

Application

Achish seems perfectly oblivious to the lies that David has been telling him. He trusts David totally, even though David has been pretending to conduct raids on Israel.

People are often willing to be deceived. They see what they want to see in other people and in current events. Politicians and marketers rely on our gullibility.

It seems that God was blessing David’s deception.

All through the Old Testament, the Lord blesses the use of deception in war. We must not deceive each other in business deals and in our and relationships, but misinformation is a valid tactic in military operations.

Prayer

Lord, please open my eyes to see your truth. May I never be sucked in by the lies of other people. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Samuel 28:1-25

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Scripture

But Samuel replied, “Why ask me, since the Lord has left you and become your enemy? The Lord has done just as he said he would. He has torn the kingdom from you and given it to your rival, David.”

Observation

The Philistines gather for war against Israel. Saul is filled with fear and seeks the Lord, but the Lord refuses to answer.

Saul finds a medium, a woman at Endor, and he asked her to summon up the spirit of Samuel. Samuel tells him that the Lord has done just what he said He would do. He is about to hand the kingdom over to his rival, David,and the next day Saul and his sons will be dead.

Application

The Bible consistently condemns those who seek to consult with the spirits of the dead. Earlier, Saul had banned this practice, but now in desperation, he consults a medium.

With very few exceptions, once a person dies, they are not able to return to this world or to communicate with the living. So any apparent message from “the other side” is a demonic deception. It is a kind of counterfeit prophecy .

We don’t need to talk to the dead. We have a living Saviour who died but rose again. We know that we who are saved will also rise with Christ to eternal life.

When people consult with fortune tellers, mediums, Ouija boards, and the like, they are opening themselves to being overwhelmed by evil spirits. It is best to stay right away from these practises .

Prayer

Thank you Father that you delight to communicate with your children. We can talk with you anytime and any place. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Samuel 27:1-12

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Scripture

Achish believed David and thought to himself, “By now the people of Israel must hate him bitterly. He will hhave to stay here and serve me forever.”

Observation

David decides to move to Gath to avoid Saul permanently. Achish the king of Gath, welcomes him, his wives, and his army.

One-day, David asks Achish if he can move to a smaller town. Achish give him Ziklak where they live for more than a year.

David and his men conduct raids on people who live down towards Egypt. They kill all the people in the villages, and take away their livestock and clothing.

David tells Achish that he has been raiding the south of Judah, causing Achish to believe that David will never be able to go home.

Application

David was a master strategist, always looking at the long-term outlook in planning his steps.

We might wonder if his wholesale taking of human life, and the lies he told to deceive Achish. The truth is said he was living in a very hostile environment, and his violence was towards the enemies of Israel.

In one parable, Jesus seem to approve of the actions of the dishonest steward who defrauded his employer for his own interests.

We should not judge the actions of Bible characters on the basis of our own comfortable lifestyles. The important thing is to seek God’s path whatever our circumstances are.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you that I live in a peaceful society. Please help me to glorify you in all I do. Amen.

The Magi

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The Magi, or Wise Men, are mysterious characters in the Christmas Story. We don’t know exactly where they came from, although Babylonia is a strong character, and we don’t know exactly how many of them there were, or even when they turned up in Bethlehem.

I was preaching abut this last Sunday as recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.

As I read the passage in church, I was struck by the NLT rendering of v. 1:

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

Over recent years, it has been common to point out that the Magi could have taken up to 2 years to come and worship Jesus. This is based on a number of factors, including the word for “child”, the fact that the family was now in a house, not a stable, and Herod’s order to kill babies under the age of 2 years. Herod was a ruthless character who was not afraid of killing potential rivals, so the age of the babies being killed would have been arbitrary.

But then the NLT says this happened “About that time” i.e. close to the time of Jesus’ birth. What’s happening here?

Short answer is it is a poor translation choice. Most of the English translations, as well as the original Greek text, do not use this. For example the NIV has “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem…”

No translation of Scripture is perfect. We are blessed to have such an abundance of translations in English, and they mostly do a good job of making the Bible accessible to people of all reading, education and cultural backgrounds. I love the NLT as an easy to understand translation, but they got this phrase wrong.

The lesson here is never build a doctrine on a single phrase, a single verse, a single translation.