Welcoming the Message

Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6: ⁴For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Reflection: As far as we can tell, 1 Thessalonians is the oldest letter from Paul we have in the New Testament. That is, if we put Paul’s letters in chronological order, this would be first. We don’t know how Paul came upon the idea of writing to various churches. But the Thessalonian’s letters most likely came early in this new aspect of his ministry.

Here at the beginning, he refers to the way the Thessalonians received the gospel. It came “not simply with words, but also with power.”

How do you prepare yourself when you read the Bible? If I’m not careful, I’ll just begin reading without any preparation. Sometimes it’s even like a chore – a discipline that needs to be done. I’m not really expecting to find anything special. Now, I’ve found that even in those times the Spirit often brings some lesson or new observation to my attention.

However, the more effective way to approach scripture, by far, is to simply ask God to open my mind and heart to His word. In that, I open myself to His power, as well as just the written words. It’s the difference between hoping to see something and expecting to see something. When I come to the Bible with that openness, nearly every time, something special happens.

How will I welcome God’s message today? How will you?