Mid-week Reflection

Scripture Union, "Bible in a Year"
20th April 2011. Day 227

1 Thessalonians, chapter1

Consider

 Wherever Paul went, he seems to have caused quite a stir. In Thessalonica, for example, he caused a riot and “the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.” [See Acts, chapter 17 verses 5-10]. It’s a wonderful privilege to be able to spend quiet time with Jesus but we are not to keep him to ourselves. We are all called to share him with non Christians and when we do, we take a risk that things can get out of hand. The message of Jesus should never be thought of as “safe.” It changes lives and turns worlds upside down. The people of Thessalonica understood the radical nature of what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. Those who accepted him were transformed – those who didn’t turned hostile.

In this week’s reflection, based on 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, Paul is writing to encourage and reassure believers to remain strong in the midst of cultural opposition. In verses  9 & 10 he outlines three marks of true faith;

·         Turning from idols

·         Serving God

·         Waiting for the return of Christ.

What does the first of these three, turning from idols, mean? If worshipping an object of wood or stone is the definition of idolatry, then I guess most of us wouldn’t consider ourselves as idolaters. But worship isn’t just a matter of bowing down in a temple in front of the image of a false god. Idolatry is letting something other than God be the main focus of our lives. For example, money, alcohol, sex, career, status, even another person, anything other than God that we allow to dominate our lives can be considered as idols. Just as the Thessalonians had to turn from their idols and serve God, so must we.

Unlike an idol, the “living true God” referred to in verse 9 wants to have a relationship with us. He wants us dedicate our lives to his service and to await the fulfilment of his promise that he will come again to fully restore His kingdom, a world order based on justice and love. A place of everlasting praise!

Ask yourself

·         Do you want to be part of this new world, God’s world?

·         Will you turn from the idols in your life to put your trust in God?

Pray

·         For the wisdom to discern the idols in your life

·         For the strength to turn your back on them.

·         Foe the courage to be counter cultural and put your faith in God