1 Thessalonians 2
"For what is our hope, joy, or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy" (1 Thess 2:19-20).
Paul and his companions were driven out of Thessalonica by their Jewish opponents. They long to go back and see the believers there, but Satan has so far hindered them (v. 18). But even if they can't see them face to face, the Thessalonian believers are still very much on their hearts and minds. They are the glory and joy of Paul, Silas, and Timothy. When Jesus comes again, these believers will be their crown of boasting.
Like Paul and his companions, Averil and I are at the moment being torn away from our brothers and sisters here in New Zealand. We don't know when we will see them again, but they will definitely be on our hearts and minds. Those whom we discipled, mentored, and taught are our glory and joy. They will be our crown of boasting at Jesus' coming.
Father, thank you for the believers here in New Zealand whom you have given us the opportunity to minister to. I pray that they will continue advancing in sanctification to spiritual maturity. May we keep in close contact with one another and check up on one another regularly, as Paul did with the churches he established. May we hear from Jesus at his coming lots of "well dones" to our brothers and sisters here in Dunedin and other parts of New Zealand. Thank you for the New Zealand church. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman
If you would like to learn about Averil's story and contribute to her breast cancer recovery fund, please click here.