Journal 2 Thes 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: (Paul) “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
Therefore, we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions AND in the afflictions that you are enduring.
This is the evidence of the righteous judgment of God: that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God (for which you are also suffering) …” 2 Thes 1:3-5
Observation: This is where I have abandoned these books of the Bible for something more…I dunno…more to my liking? Some place where I can find stuff I don’t have to work so hard at?
Analysis: Notice Paul’s criteria for boasting? Steadfastness—check. Faith—check. Persecutions—huh? Afflictions—what? What is he boasting to other churches about? We are steadfast and faithful in the eye of persecutions and afflictions? And this has considerations of worthiness?
I think well of those guys if that is the case…as long as it isn’t me.
I think I see how it all works together: My faith is growing at a pretty good clip. I am demonstrating love to one another and it is increasing so all can see.
And then I see the word “therefore.” Basically, Paul says, “Because of these admirable attributes you are demonstrating, I boast. I boast about your faith and steadfastness. And look at these guys: they are being persecuted and are excelling! They are in afflictions and are excelling. What a swell bunch of folks they are…”
It makes me think about when it is time to grow.
It is not when I am in the cauldron and the water is starting to boil. It is not when I am in the frying pan on a stove full of frying pans.
When is it time to grow? It is in time of relative ease…like squirrels gathering nuts for winter….this is when I need to pack my heart with sound doctrine, fellowship, small groups, music that stirs the soul, the discipline of reading, journaling, devotions (by myself and with my spouse and with my family).
Prayer: Lord God, I don’t want these words to be clever alone. Please help them go down deep into my heart, my character. I fear that “clever” words will be my undoing. Help me to think “life” and then speak “life”. I want to be found pleasing to You at the end of my days. AMEN.