“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Col.3:16)
Lord Jesus, meditating on several portions 2nd Thessalonians has been akin to savoring the finest dark chocolate ever cooked and crafted. They catalogue much of what you freely give us in the Gospel—beginning with this one: 2Thess.3:5 – “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”
If we pay attention to the GPS of the Gospel, it will always direct our hearts into more of your love and your perseverance—not our perspiration. Because you are our righteousness, we can’t increase or diminish your love for us; but we can surely experience more of it more often (Eph.3:18-19). By your Spirit, please make that our feast. We will persevere and overcome all the way Home because of our union with you, Jesus—the Overcomer. Your grace, not our grit, will deliver us safely to heaven.
Then there’s 2Thess.2:16-17 – “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” Jesus, thank you for giving us eternal, not fleeting comfort; and good, not flimsy hope—“good” like you are good Jesus, meaning perfect hope.
Lastly, there’s 2Thess.3:16 – “May the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” Thank you for being the “Lord of peace” and for giving us your peace (Jn.14:27)—the peace that bypasses our reason and is accessible 24/7. You know our current “situations” for which we most need and crave your peace. Jesus, grant it, bring it, and free us to surrender to your peace. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.