Day 279: Some Fear is Ok

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16; Isaiah 14-16; Psalm 113

Paul describes what happened in Thessolonica with the sharing of God's message. First, they came with pure motives, simply to spread the message of life and salvation of Jesus. They weren't trying to get rich, gain power, corrupt, control, or benefit personally. Their hearts were loving, in the purest sense. Then, they faced persecution. That could have stopped them from sharing the message, and Paul hints that yeah, they might have been a little discouraged because he says that "God gave us the courage." It's ok to feel some fear or uncertainty, it's not good when that stops us in our purpose-driven tracks. He goes on to say just how much these people, their salvation, and their devotion to The Lord meant to him: "We cared so much for you, and you became so dear to us, that we were willing to give our lives for you when we gave you God's message." Wow, that's compassion and love. Sometimes I miss out on opportunities to love or make Jesus known because, while I'm compassionate, I limit it to people I think deserve it. That is NOT what Paul did, nor what Jesus wants. I need to love each person and see each person as an eternal soul in need of the healing power of Jesus, willing to give my life to share the gospel with them. In America, I think there is less of a sense of urgency and devotion to this idea simply because we don't struggle with persecution and we have everything we need, so we don't feel like we really need Jesus. Paul's pure passion for the gospel of Christ and his live-giving love for the people is powerful.

These three chapters of Isaiah are all about destruction. God is going to come through and teach them a lesson or destroy nations that do wrong, whether that be Israel for being disobedient, Babylon and Assyria for being evil, or Moab for being prideful.

This psalm reveals God's heart. His name deserves praise, when? From sunrise until sunset! And what does he do that deserves praise? He cares for the needy and those that are hurting and helpless. His love for those who are mistreated or broken is so significant. I need to reflect that so much more. Praise God that he is a God who loves without limits or prejudices.