“We should always thank God for you, brothers and sisters. We really should because your faith is growing fast. The love that each of you has for one another is also becoming stronger.” II Thess 1:3 (Simple English Bible)
He didn’t want to be there. Prison wasn’t a good place but he was paying the price for his folly. Being incarcerated with drug dealers, thieves and scamsters was too unsettling and disturbing. He found himself always looking over his shoulder, keeping to himself and remaining viligant, even at night in his bunk. There were always fights, scuffles and intimidation and he really didn’t know who to turn to. That is, until he saw a man reading a Bible in the exercise yard. This man was quiet, yet peaceful, or so it seemed. He stopped and asked questions, the man with the Bible answered and they struck up a friendship.
The apostle Paul wrote this second letter to the churches in Thessalonica, praising them for their faith and love. Very praiseworthy but if you will read the very next verse, it will become apparent that they were also being persecuted. There were troubles and trials. Yet, they were attracted to each other because of their faith in Christ! This was a safe haven during times of interference and tribulation. They were a family, loving and carrying one another’s burdens.
If there ever was a time for this attitude among Christians, it is now! We are the ones on whom others can rely and find comfort. We are the last line of defense in a world sliding into oblivion. It is our faith which will keep us on track!
Steve
By the way, the man in prison was immersed for his faith in Jesus this year.
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