Have you ever been so proud of someone you just wanted to shout it so everyone would know? There have been many times when I have seen those in the church who "get it" and they become living examples of Jesus is tough situations. Also, to brag for a moment, I see this in my daughter, son, and daughter-in-law all of the time. Paul was bragging about the Thessalonians
"so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure" 2 Thessalonians 1:4
"we boast of you," Paul writes. This is the only time in the Bible the Greek word used as is translated here. It means to boast, to brag, or to give praise about someone. Paul was proud of his Thessalonian "children" as a Father is proud of his own children.
What made him so proud of them? Their patience and faith. The word Paul uses for "patience" means so one who will not bend, break, surrender, or give up territory no matter how heavy the load. It is an attitude determined not to settle until they receive what was promised. It is basic endurance.
The Thessalonians were in the heart of a pagan country. They were suffering from massive persecution. Their faith was constantly assaulted and at times, so were their lives. Paul was proud that they did not give up or waver. It was also proud of their faith.
The word translated "faith" denotes a force that is always moving forward, never backward. It is aggressive, never passive. They never drew back and always kept moving forward. Like a bullet shot from a gun, they cut through everything and did not falter. They had real faith, changing the lives in the city despite all the hardships they faced.
The word translated "persecution" is a hunting term meaning to follow after or pursue. It is a hunter viciously pursuing prey to kill or destroy. The word translated "tribulation" means grueling, crushing situation that is absolutely unbearable and impossible survive except for the Holy Spirit's encouragement.
Paul was proud of them because they did not bend or break, nor did they falter or fail despite the pressure of being hunted down and unbearable crushing they endured they chose to trust the Lord. God gave them success for their tenacity. Lives and the city were changed.
You are going through something at some level. Hang in there! I know it may not seem like it, but God has a bigger picture than what you see this moment. If you trust Him, you will always have great success. Temporary inconvenience is not a sign of failure but giving up always is! God is proud of you!
1 comment:
Thanks for this explanation, when someone says they’re proud of me it’s like a nails on a chalkboard moment for me, I’m not looking for someone to be proud of me but it makes me happy to hear God is! Maybe it sounds more like a lack of anything else to say to someone so people will say I’m proud of you, I don’t know why that bothers me but now I will look at that phrase with a different perspective.
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