Monday 17th February
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
“But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you – certainly I, Paul, did, again and again – but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” (NIVUK)
Paul does not pastor congregations. He longs for and loves family. He has described his feelings towards the Thessalonians of those of mother with a newborn child (v7), and a father longing for the best for his children (v11) but here, he feels orphaned (v17). There is a desperation to be together, physically, with the Thessalonian believers, to comfort and encourage and build up their faith.
We live in a world that has increasingly substituted electronic versions of ‘presence’ for the real thing. There are those who feel that an online community is an adequate substitute for an embodied one. When circumstances conspire to prevent us being physically present, an online presence is better than nothing. Although Paul can’t possibly be commenting on the digital revolution and its unintended consequences, his desperation to be with his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica remains a model we can usefully imitate.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) (NIVUK)
