Sad But Glad!

Reading through Paul's second letter to the church at Thessalonica a few days ago, I was struck by a great contrast of terms. In the third chapter of that letter we read. . .

"(1) Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you. (2) and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For NOT ALL HAVE FAITH. (3) BUT THE LORD IS FAITHFUL. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. " ( 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 ESV)

When we look at the original Greek, the last word of the sentence in verse two is "pistis" and the first word in the sentence of verse three is "pistos"; "trust" and "trustful" or "FAITH" and "FAITHFUL". It is a contrast that even in the English can catch the attention.

Ministry was challenging for Paul and so he sought the prayers of others on his behalf. He knew it was also challenging for those growing in their FAITH because of others who strongly opposed the Gospel of Jesus. These "evil men" (verse 2) were allowing the "evil one" (verse 3) to use them in opposing the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus. The great encouragement from Paul was that in spite of the many who did not have FAITH, FAITHFULNESS could still be the expectation from the Lord. Paul's confidence with regard to the continued progress and FAITHFULNESS of the Christians at Thessalonica to follow the commands they had received was based on the Lord's FAITHFULNESS (verse 4) to sustain them through the challenges.

It remains sad that not everyone embraces the truth of Jesus with FAITH. Still, as we press on in FAITH and are touched by the rejection of others, we can be glad for the FAITHFULNESS of the Lord toward us. May we continue to look to Him to establish our FAITH as He guards us against the evil one.

Have a great day RESTING FAITH SOLIDLY ON THE LORD'S FAITHFULNESS!
Carl

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