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| Clapping those who care for us |
Today's Guest Devotional is written by Martin Davids
(a member of Manor Park Church, Worcester)
(1 Thessalonians 5: 12-14)
Every
Thursday, for the last few weeks, at 8 o'clock my family and I have stood
outside our front door and clapped for the NHS. If we stop and listen, we can
hear others around the village clapping, banging pans and even one man playing a
trombone. If I told you such a thing could happen seven weeks ago you would
have thought me a little unhinged. However in our “new normal" such an
event seems like a perfectly natural thing. If a stranger were ask us why are
we doing it we would say that we were showing appreciation for and trying to
encourage all those hard-working men and women in the National Health Service
who are on the front line trying to save lives during the Covid- 19 crisis.
I'm sure that many of you are encouraged by the daily devotional that we get from Roy each morning in the week and from Mike on Sunday. Some of you may use this as your morning quiet time. Others, like my family, may read this together after dinner as your daily devotional and discuss it. And for yet others, it may be how you comfort of your mind last thing at night before going to sleep. However and whenever you read the blog I am sure that you are all grateful for it especially in these difficult times.
In a very real way the daily devotional has become a point of contact with the outside world and a point of connection between our brothers and sisters in the church. Knowing that others in the church are reading it makes us feel in touch with those for whom we have been separated from for over a month. How strange it is to think that what would we took for granted just six weeks ago has changed so radically now this is the new normal.
What do these two things have in common and why do I bring this up? Well quite simply, as we look to acknowledge NHS workers and be an encouragement to them, in our passage for today we notice that in verse 12 the apostle Paul tells the church in Thessalonica to acknowledge those who work hard amongst them. As I read the daily blog and am encouraged and lifted up by it I'm aware of how much work both Roy and Mike have put into it. This is no five-minute Facebook post or Tweet. Why would either of these men go through such effort?
I think the answer is found here in verse 12 Paul tells us they "care for you in the Lord". Because of this they are to be respected. There are three things the passage tells us our elders do: Firstly they work hard or labour amongst us. The idea of labouring can be understood "working hard to the point of exhaustion." Secondly they care for us, or as another translation puts it "have charge over you" the word literally is to "oversee" and the idea is standing before the flock to lead them in the way of righteousness. Thirdly they admonish you - that is to instruct you in God's Word.
Hold them in the highest regard
What
then does this recognition and respect lead to? Verse 13 tells us we hold them
in high regard, in love. So it should
increase our love for them as that same verse said because of their work. So we see the magnificence of Scripture here
it gives us a complete circle because they work hard we are to respect them
this respect needs to love because of their work and because they are loved and
respected they work harder amongst us. What a beautiful picture of synergy and
harmony we have here; the shepherds and the sheep working together in one
direction under one Lord.
Though when writing this exhortation to the church, Paul clearly had in mind the elders of the church, I hope I am not taking liberty with the scriptures to expand just a little beyond the context and ask us to also be grateful to others who labour for us in the Lord. I began to write a list of names but for fear of embarrassing them or more importantly fear of missing someone out I would just like you to make a list of all of those who, just in the last few weeks have laboured in the Lord. Those who make sure we are up to date with emails and prayer requests, those who have served us ‘virtually’ on Sunday whether in leading, reading, music, children’s talks etc. not forgetting those who work behind the scenes attending to all the technical details. The encouraging email, cards, letters or messages on Whatsapp. And if I’ve forgotten anyone please forgive me. Let us take sometime today or the next coming days to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for all who labour in the Lord.
Though when writing this exhortation to the church, Paul clearly had in mind the elders of the church, I hope I am not taking liberty with the scriptures to expand just a little beyond the context and ask us to also be grateful to others who labour for us in the Lord. I began to write a list of names but for fear of embarrassing them or more importantly fear of missing someone out I would just like you to make a list of all of those who, just in the last few weeks have laboured in the Lord. Those who make sure we are up to date with emails and prayer requests, those who have served us ‘virtually’ on Sunday whether in leading, reading, music, children’s talks etc. not forgetting those who work behind the scenes attending to all the technical details. The encouraging email, cards, letters or messages on Whatsapp. And if I’ve forgotten anyone please forgive me. Let us take sometime today or the next coming days to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for all who labour in the Lord.
Live in peace with each other
The
second part of verse 13 gives an instruction that is so important for us to
follow and be aware of during lockdown and isolation. That is, be at peace amongst yourselves. This is not always an easy command to follow
even at the best of times. I think it is
even harder when we are being forced to live in such close quarters with each
other. Even simple things like dinner
conversations are different these days.
Seven or eight weeks ago we were chatting about how our day had been and what we had been up to. Now we know all too well what each other has been up to but hopefully your conversations have not dried up but moved onto other more deeper topics. But sometimes isolation with just your spouse or your family can lead to moments of tension. We need to learn to live together and I think this is what the apostle Paul has when he encourages us to be at peace amongst ourselves. I gave this somewhat amusing story to our home group so those who were there please forgive me if you have heard is already.
This year, Ro, my wife, and myself will celebrate 22 years of marriage. Whilst we were courting I do not believe we had one single argument. For those of you who are married last year I'm sure you can remember before you are married thinking how blissful it'll be to spend all that time together; and I'm sure that 23 years ago we were equally as starry eyed.
They say that marriages are made in heaven but so is thunder and lightning. And so we were only a few weeks married when we had our first row. The subject of the row was what to do with lottery winnings. I don't remember the exact content and who said what but I do remember it becoming quite heated, until (and I'm sure this was Ro - being more sensible than I) suddenly said "Why are we arguing we don't even DO the lottery?" I do remember us laughing at this and we did make up very quickly. Yet it just goes to show what Paul had to tell us - to be at peace amongst ourselves.
If newlyweds can argue over such a trivial issue them we'd all better watch out. Paul knew that at the end of the day we are all sinners (Paul called himself the chief of sinners) bumping up against other sinners. When we are finding it hard during lockdown to get on with those with whom we are confined then remember the words of Jesus who told us to "Remove the plank from your own eye before we look to remove the splint from your my brother's". When we look to Christ and see how much he has forgiven us, can we not overlook the shortcomings of our own family and be at peace with them. I think we can.
Seven or eight weeks ago we were chatting about how our day had been and what we had been up to. Now we know all too well what each other has been up to but hopefully your conversations have not dried up but moved onto other more deeper topics. But sometimes isolation with just your spouse or your family can lead to moments of tension. We need to learn to live together and I think this is what the apostle Paul has when he encourages us to be at peace amongst ourselves. I gave this somewhat amusing story to our home group so those who were there please forgive me if you have heard is already.
This year, Ro, my wife, and myself will celebrate 22 years of marriage. Whilst we were courting I do not believe we had one single argument. For those of you who are married last year I'm sure you can remember before you are married thinking how blissful it'll be to spend all that time together; and I'm sure that 23 years ago we were equally as starry eyed.
They say that marriages are made in heaven but so is thunder and lightning. And so we were only a few weeks married when we had our first row. The subject of the row was what to do with lottery winnings. I don't remember the exact content and who said what but I do remember it becoming quite heated, until (and I'm sure this was Ro - being more sensible than I) suddenly said "Why are we arguing we don't even DO the lottery?" I do remember us laughing at this and we did make up very quickly. Yet it just goes to show what Paul had to tell us - to be at peace amongst ourselves.
If newlyweds can argue over such a trivial issue them we'd all better watch out. Paul knew that at the end of the day we are all sinners (Paul called himself the chief of sinners) bumping up against other sinners. When we are finding it hard during lockdown to get on with those with whom we are confined then remember the words of Jesus who told us to "Remove the plank from your own eye before we look to remove the splint from your my brother's". When we look to Christ and see how much he has forgiven us, can we not overlook the shortcomings of our own family and be at peace with them. I think we can.
Warn the idle
This
first part of verse 14, I think, has been a challenge for some people. It certainly
has been to me. I'm a person who needs schedules, routines, timetables,
deadlines. As much as I bulk against
them it does keep me in line. If I know
task has to be done by a certain time I find it easy to work towards it. However
when it is some nebulous, 'needs-to-be-done-but-not-quite-yet-activity' I have
a tendency to procrastinate.
How have you been finding managing your time? Have you been feeling a pull or slide towards idleness? Paul would have an admonishment for us - "Do not become idle."
"But I have nothing to do.” you may say. Then this is a great opportunity to get round to all those things that you said you would do when you "Have time to get round to it." This is a great time to spend longer in your quiet time. Go deeper in your Bible reading. Pick up that book that a friend gave you and said would really bless you - read it. Write that letter or email to a friend or family member that asked you about your faith - give them a reason for the hope that is within you. We all need to ask ourselves how are we redeeming the time? When this is all over and normality returns will we be able to say we spent our time wisely?
How have you been finding managing your time? Have you been feeling a pull or slide towards idleness? Paul would have an admonishment for us - "Do not become idle."
"But I have nothing to do.” you may say. Then this is a great opportunity to get round to all those things that you said you would do when you "Have time to get round to it." This is a great time to spend longer in your quiet time. Go deeper in your Bible reading. Pick up that book that a friend gave you and said would really bless you - read it. Write that letter or email to a friend or family member that asked you about your faith - give them a reason for the hope that is within you. We all need to ask ourselves how are we redeeming the time? When this is all over and normality returns will we be able to say we spent our time wisely?
Encourage
Some of the ways that we can obey the above command is
continued in verse 14 and three groups of people who we can work amongst and
bless during this time. Firstly
encourage the disheartened. At the
moment we are surrounded by people who are feeling disheartened because of
Covid-19. Perhaps they are worried about
their jobs, their businesses, their family’s health or their own health. What words of encouragement as Christians can
we give them? Especially if those who are disheartened are Christians
themselves. We more than all people have
a hope and need not despair as the world despairs. Let us be an encouragement
to our brothers and sisters who are at this time feeling disheartened and
discouraged - that is, take the time to build up in their faith. This leads on to the second group, those who
are weak.
There are two groups of people I have in mind here; the physically weak and the spiritually weak. Lots of us are surrounded by an elderly person who cannot get out or are afraid to leave their homes because of Covid 19. It is a chance to show the love of God in our willingness to help these people. The Christians in the early church were known for their acts of mercy and charity. If we are able to, offer to shop for those who cannot, mow a lawn or clipper hedge. Who knows what gospel opportunities that might come from this when lockdown has finished. But also let us think about those who are spiritually weak. These might be new believers or those who are shaky in their faith because of fear or loss of a loved one. In our current situation we cannot meet with them but maybe we can spend some time on the phone or Zoom or Skype (if you want face to face interaction) to listen to them and encourage them in their faith. Finally we are to do this with patience. Why? Because the Lord has been patient with us and during our times of need had sent us people who built us up and encouraged us.
There are two groups of people I have in mind here; the physically weak and the spiritually weak. Lots of us are surrounded by an elderly person who cannot get out or are afraid to leave their homes because of Covid 19. It is a chance to show the love of God in our willingness to help these people. The Christians in the early church were known for their acts of mercy and charity. If we are able to, offer to shop for those who cannot, mow a lawn or clipper hedge. Who knows what gospel opportunities that might come from this when lockdown has finished. But also let us think about those who are spiritually weak. These might be new believers or those who are shaky in their faith because of fear or loss of a loved one. In our current situation we cannot meet with them but maybe we can spend some time on the phone or Zoom or Skype (if you want face to face interaction) to listen to them and encourage them in their faith. Finally we are to do this with patience. Why? Because the Lord has been patient with us and during our times of need had sent us people who built us up and encouraged us.
A SONG FOR THE DAY
The song I have chosen is a well know one from the Getty’s and reminds us of the peace we have in our Triune God leading to peace and fellowship among believers here on Earth.
The song I have chosen is a well know one from the Getty’s and reminds us of the peace we have in our Triune God leading to peace and fellowship among believers here on Earth.
May
the peace of God, our heav'nly Father,
And the grace of Christ, the risen Son,
And the fellowship of God the Spirit
Keep our hearts and minds within His love.
And to Him be praise for His glorious reign;
From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven
We declare the name of the Lamb once slain
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
May this peace which passes understanding,
And this grace which makes us what we are,
And this fellowship of His communion,
Make us one in spirit and in heart.
And to Him be praise for His glorious reign;
From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven
We declare the name of the Lamb once slain
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
And to Him be praise for His glorious reign;
From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven
We declare the name of the Lamb once slain
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
And the grace of Christ, the risen Son,
And the fellowship of God the Spirit
Keep our hearts and minds within His love.
And to Him be praise for His glorious reign;
From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven
We declare the name of the Lamb once slain
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
May this peace which passes understanding,
And this grace which makes us what we are,
And this fellowship of His communion,
Make us one in spirit and in heart.
And to Him be praise for His glorious reign;
From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven
We declare the name of the Lamb once slain
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
And to Him be praise for His glorious reign;
From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven
We declare the name of the Lamb once slain
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
You can sing along HERE.
Our Father in Heaven
We thank you that you have given us our elders who
lead us and guide us in your word. May
we always hold them in high esteem.
We also thank you for others who you have given the heart to serve you in the church. We ask strength for their labours.
We also thank you for others who you have given the heart to serve you in the church. We ask strength for their labours.
Help us to always be people of
peace. Let peace reign, from the Prince
of Peace, into out households especially during this time when we are in
lockdown.
Give us hearts that are quick to forgive and words that will restore
peace.
Keep us from idleness allow us to
redeem the time in service to you and to one another. May we be people who encourage, strengthen
and pray for each other and the world outside.
Let us do this with all meekness and humility.
We ask this in Jesus name
