Sunday 19th October
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5
“We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (NIVUK)
Paul has spoken of God’s faithfulness (v3). He now declares his confidence in their faithfulness – the perfect reflection of their God’s. Then he prays that love and faithfulness would strengthen and follow them always.
A perfect, holy, and gracious circle – self-reinforcing and bound together in Jesus – driving God’s glory to the ends of the earth.
“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
before the ‘gods’ I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down towards your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
3 When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me.
4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord,
when they hear what you have decreed.
5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord,
for the glory of the Lord is great.” (Psalm 138:1-5) (NIVUK)
