The Way We Were

5/13/2016

1 Thessalonians 2.7-8a Instead, we were like young children[a] among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. – St. Paul

Try not to think of Barbra Streisand as you read the title to my missive today. Okay, now you’ve thought of Barbra, so try not to think of the song she sang about the way we were. Alright, now, try not to hum that melody to yourself all morning. Sorry, it’s just the way we are…

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is probably one of my favorite epistles because of his language toward them. He’s not stern; he doesn’t teach that much; he reminisces with them. There is some great theology in his letters to them, but mostly it seems he is encouraging them: it’s just you and me, guys.

Chapter 2 is about the way Paul and his companions behaved when they were with the Church in Thessalonica. Paul uses a lot of language like:

·         but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel

·         You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed

·         we were like young children

·         we cared for you

·         we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

·         we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you

·         we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God

Paul reminded them of how things were and how they were among the young church there.

I think it’s important to reminisce about our relationships with one another, especially as we think about our times together of joy and encouragement as we walk together in the Lord in our pilgrimage toward Heaven and that Day when we all meet the Lord together.

In a transient society such as ours, it’s hard to do, but it’s still necessary to remember the good times and why they were so good.

And I think it’s good to remember why we are together as children of the Lord and what we’re on earth for: the sharing of the Gospel and living lives worthy of God. Paul cared for the people he ministered to and today, we saints, are to do likewise.

Lord, may we care for one another as You have cared for us. May we see in each other the goodness and greatness You see in us. May we learn to encourage, comfort, and urge one another to live lives worthy of the God we claim and serve. And Lord may it all be for Your glory in a world of trouble that You don’t deliver us from, but see us though. May we look back on our lives and our efforts and with glad voices praise You for the way we were; Barbra Streisand notwithstanding... – Amen.