If you get the Holston Conference Daily Devotion, I apologize for the double message as I am also using this message for today's daily encourager.
17 But as for us, brothers, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. 18 So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy! - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Yesterday, we celebrated one of the high and holy days of the church – All Saints Day. One of the things I enjoy about All Saints day is hearing the stories of the saints that have gone before us into glory. Each year, we remember those who have gone ahead into glory that particular year, but we are also reminded of the saints that have gone before, those who established our churches, were workers in their community, who lived into the example of Christ. It is a wonderful time to be reminded that we are all, who profess Christ, a part of that great cloud of witnesses that surround the throne in glory.
Like so many celebrations this year, things are a little different this year. It has been a year where we have been reminded of our mortality, of death more than many others. The pandemic has called all of us to grieve in some way, but for those who have lost loved ones this year, the grieving process has been even more difficult. We may have not been able to gather with family and friends, we may have had private funerals, or travel restrictions to go and be with loved ones. Some of us are still grieving and may have difficulty celebrating the life eternal that is still to come when we join again with that great cloud of witnesses including those closest to us. Some may still be grieving the ability to gather in the sanctuary of their church, desiring to see friends and siblings in Christ, but staying home for their own safety or the safety of others.
Paul, in this letter to the Thessalonians, speaks of the great desire to return and see the people of God at Thessalonica face-to-face. Even now, after many months apart, some of us have not seen face-to-face, and it is difficult to remain hindered even though we know it is the best course of action for us. We long to see one another, to gather together, to see the saints whom we love. Yet, after Paul speaks of what hinders him from returning to Thessalonica, he speaks of the true glory of the church and Christ.
Paul asks a series of questions, but the point is, you, the people of God, you are the glory of the church, and the glory and joy of the Christian gospel. The treasure of heaven is the people who believe, who find themselves joined with Christ now and always. The beauty of this statement is that even when we are kept from one another, we are a united people. We are united in the glory of the gospel message, our salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is a struggle for us to be separated from one another, whether on the earth or by the veil between this life and the next. Still, we are united in Christ, we are a part of the great cloud of witnesses, and I hope we can find, in us, the joy that is everlasting, as we are in Christ.
I know that we still grieve many things this year, but it is my hope that we might be reminded of the hope of Jesus Christ in us; that we might take a moment to give thanks to God for the uniting love of Christ that keeps us together, even while we are yet apart.
To God Be the Glory! Amen.
Grace & Peace,
Sam