Day 282
Jeremiah 12:1-14:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:9; Psalm 79:1-13; Proverbs 24:30-34
The Eager Chosen
In our epistle reading today, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:9, Paul begins this letter much as he does each of his notes to the churches he has visited or is planning to visit. He greets them in the name of the Lord and thanks God for their faithfulness.
Sometimes his introductory remarks are longer, sometimes his greeting is a little warmer (or cooler) but the basic style remains the same.
And then – and then – he gets right into the heart of what it is he is writing about. He lets them know that they are loved by God and have been chosen by the Lord to follow Him. I imagine that might have been a difficult concept for them to fully grasp, as many today still struggle with that thought. And yet, if Scripture is true, and God sent Christ to die for us, then we have been the chosen recipients of that grace if we will but say yes.
We have been chosen and in response to that notion we should be eager to follow and obey and serve. Have we responded by choosing ourselves to actively confess Christ and to live our lives in a manner pleasing to Him?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and grace poured out so willingly. May we respond in love to that gift that is your Son, Jesus.
The Rev. Phyllis Bartle