Today’s
Bible readings are 1 Samuel 13:1-7 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1-7
Sometimes
when I read Paul’s letters, I wonder what kind of situation he was writing
about and actually dealing with. It seems to me that all of the Young Churches
that he was sending letters to, had internal problems which were negatively
affecting the growth of the congregations. Time and time again, Paul reminded
folks that God wasn't blind to the antics of these troublemakers; if they
troubled the church, then payback would occur, because God would trouble them.
I
get concerned when I hear of pastors and congregations that are experiencing conflict.
I wonder if the people causing the damage really understand what kind of
fearful judgment they are placing themselves under. Conflict in the world
usually gets settled by arbitration; conflict in the church will be settled by
God. The Church is Christ’s Bride, so anything that stains or contaminates or
damages the Church, affects that which Jesus deeply loves.
Now
I’m not free of this troublemaking myself. Every pastor that I know causes
ripples in every congregation that he or she serves. Even the apostle Paul was
known to stir up more than a few conflicts of his own. But the message from
this letter should be clear to all of us – God looks after His own and payback really
does occur, especially if pride gets in the way of peacemaking, or if
self-righteousness blocks self-repentance.
Today’s
message is as much meant for me, as it may be meant for anyone else.
Questions for personal reflection
Have I
contributed to or caused conflict in the church? How can I seek forgiveness and
find a way to make peace?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as Christians we belong
to Your Bride, the Church. Sometimes we fail to honor and cherish Your Love
because we allow our pride to override our faith. Help us to see ourselves as
both You and others see us, so that we may be challenged by the truth and
changed for the betterment of Your Bride. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If
you would like to ask a question or make a comment about today’s message,
please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Celtic Lights.” It depicts the
northern lights seen from the shoreline of Scotland. If you would like to view
a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/12142272273_07a289b38b_b.jpg
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