I'm missing seeing my friends, relatives, and church family face to face... and I bet you are too.
Well the Apostle Paul had a very similar problem back in his day.
Paul had been in Thessalonica doing mission work and helping a new church get started. Then, all of a sudden, some local thugs decided they didn't want him around so he had to abruptly leave town for fear of his new friends being hurt on account of him. You can read that story in Acts 17 if you would like to.
Anyway, the point is that he was really missing them - he wanted to go visit them but he was afraid of the harm that might come to them if he did. The believers at Thessalonica may have been out of sight, but they certainly were not out of Paul’s mind…
But as for us, brothers, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. So we wanted to come to you-- even I, Paul, time and again-- but Satan hindered us. (1Th 2:17-18 CSB)
Not being able to fellowship with these friends in person was causing Paul distress and anxiety because he didn't know how they were doing...But when he finally got a report and found out that they were OK and that they missed him too he was elated. I'll bet he even jumped for joy...
But when Timotheus reached me a moment ago, on his return from you, bringing me the good news of your faith and love and of how you always remember me kindly, longing to see me as I long to see you, then, amid all my own distress and trouble, I was cheered — this faith of yours encouraged me. (1st Th 3:6-7 Moffatt Translation)
In the midst of today's quarantine and social distancing we should be thankful to GOD for the technology we enjoy. It took weeks and maybe months for Paul to get word about his friends and fellow believers, we can get word and even pictures and live videos almost instantaneously.
Keep in touch with each other - let your friends, relatives, and church family know how you are....and like Paul, pray and request prayers.
Well the Apostle Paul had a very similar problem back in his day.
Paul had been in Thessalonica doing mission work and helping a new church get started. Then, all of a sudden, some local thugs decided they didn't want him around so he had to abruptly leave town for fear of his new friends being hurt on account of him. You can read that story in Acts 17 if you would like to.
Anyway, the point is that he was really missing them - he wanted to go visit them but he was afraid of the harm that might come to them if he did. The believers at Thessalonica may have been out of sight, but they certainly were not out of Paul’s mind…
But as for us, brothers, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. So we wanted to come to you-- even I, Paul, time and again-- but Satan hindered us. (1Th 2:17-18 CSB)
Not being able to fellowship with these friends in person was causing Paul distress and anxiety because he didn't know how they were doing...But when he finally got a report and found out that they were OK and that they missed him too he was elated. I'll bet he even jumped for joy...
But when Timotheus reached me a moment ago, on his return from you, bringing me the good news of your faith and love and of how you always remember me kindly, longing to see me as I long to see you, then, amid all my own distress and trouble, I was cheered — this faith of yours encouraged me. (1st Th 3:6-7 Moffatt Translation)
In the midst of today's quarantine and social distancing we should be thankful to GOD for the technology we enjoy. It took weeks and maybe months for Paul to get word about his friends and fellow believers, we can get word and even pictures and live videos almost instantaneously.
Keep in touch with each other - let your friends, relatives, and church family know how you are....and like Paul, pray and request prayers.
How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we also do for you. (1Th 3:9-12 CSB)
Be blessed, be thankful, and hope in GOD's good Word,
Paul.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
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