Twin City church of Christ Blog
“Feb 27, 2024 - The Speedy Word”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsThe Speedy Word
Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Paul begins to wind down his letter with a prayer request. “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men”(2 Thess 3:1-2). He wants them to pray that the message about Jesus will “speed ahead”—the word means to run—and in its speeding, to find new receptive audiences like the Thessalonians. He also asks their prayers for the potential encounters he will have with “wicked and evil men” who may attempt to restrain the spread of the gospel and harm its proclaimers. Paul has had his run-ins with this type before—stoning him, jailing him, and conspiring against him. “For not all have faith.”
Yes, there are faithless people in the world, “but the Lord is faithful”(2 Thess 3:3). Jesus will not treat us the way evil people do. “He will establish you and guard you against the evil one”(2 Thess 3:3). He consistently watches over us and answers our prayers for safe-keeping from Satan’s attacks. Paul adds that just as he is confident in Jesus, so “we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command”(2 Thess 3:4). Paul has a command that he is about to give (3:6, 12) and expresses his certainty that his words will be taken in the best way.
I am intrigued by the idea that “the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored”(2 Thess 3:1). Paul views the gospel as a dynamic force moving throughout the world. It goes from place to place, setting people free and leaving pockets of new believers in its wake. It goes with us, but it is not limited by us; it “speeds ahead” whether we do or not. Glory goes to God as his word is “honored” by people who humbly receive it, offer themselves to Jesus, and begin to live differently.
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One Thing to Think About: How have I seen that Jesus is faithful—even when people are faithless?
One Thing to Pray For: That the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored
