It Starts Small

¹⁷ But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. ¹⁸ For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. ¹⁹ For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

He longed to continue witnessing there, yet found himself unable to do so. Even in his physical absence, Paul’s heart remained intertwined with theirs, his thoughts overflowing with love and concern. The distance did not reduce the warmth of his affection. Instead, it ignited a fervent desire within him to express his feelings in this letter and in 2nd Thessalonians.

What profound insights can we learn from Paul? How do we cherish those we hold dear, even when distance separates us?

There’s a powerful saying, “out of sight, out of mind.” This should never apply to our cherished relationships with family and friends. It doesn’t matter even if vast distances separate us.

Could you ever imagine this was God’s way of treating you or myself?

In today’s world, there is no excuse for neglecting to express our love. We must care for those special people, even if we don’t see them frequently. We are blessed with technology—computers, tablets, and a world interconnected by the internet. We all have phones at our fingertips. Amazing platforms like Skype and WhatsApp make reaching out simple and instant. Picking up the phone for a heartfelt conversation is meaningful. Sitting down to pen a thoughtful letter is impactful. Just pushing a button to connect through video is easy. The effort to stay connected is worth every moment. Picking up the phone for a heartfelt conversation is meaningful. Sitting down to pen a thoughtful letter is impactful. Just pushing a button to connect through video is easy. The effort to stay connected is worth every moment. Paul exemplified this commitment, even in a time when staying in touch was a far greater challenge.

Do you truly pour your heart into expressing love toward your parents? Your relatives? Those beloved disciples who have ventured afar? Consider this: Who is that one special person you can reach out to this week? Shower them with your heartfelt affection. Seize the opportunity to ignite the warmth of love and connection!

but Satan blocked our way

Satan fiercely opposes God and His dedicated workers, as highlighted in Ephesians 6. Yet, let us not forget, Satan is not sovereign; our Almighty God is! Satan can accomplish nothing without God’s permission, as illustrated in the Book of Job. Thus, we must conclude passionately that God, in His sovereign wisdom, intended for Paul and his fellow ministers. Their reach was meant to extend. They were meant to serve other groups. This, in turn, allowed Satan’s schemes to unfold for a greater purpose.

In verses 19-20, Paul and his dedicated co-ministers passionately poured their hearts into their work. They sought no physical reward in return. What, then, ignited their fervor? Their driving motivation was not the desire for recognition, fame, wealth, or status. Instead, their true joy stemmed from witnessing the Thessalonians thrive in faith and spirit. Above all else, their deepest longing was to see these believers united in glorious celebration. They wanted to witness this before the very throne of God on that magnificent day heralding Jesus’ triumphant return.

⁹ After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰ And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

¹¹ All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹² saying:

“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”

Revelation 7:9-12

That day will be an exhilarating tapestry of joy! Believers from every era will stand united before the Lord, wrapped in the sheer ecstasy of His presence. Gone will be the agony, the tears, the sin, the sickness, and the shadow of death. Instead, we will embrace a breathtaking reality of flawless perfection! Eternal life will flow like a river, overflowing with boundless joy and bliss!

You know what would be truly magnificent? It would bring immense joy to look to your right and left. You would behold the faces of those you’ve invited! That was Paul’s ultimate glory and joy. His deepest desire was to see them standing before God. They would be radiant and pure. They would stand as adopted sons and daughters. They had lived their lives in a way that honored His magnificent calling.

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Discussion Questions

• What tore Paul and Silas away from them?
• Why could Paul not go back to them? What stopped him?
• Where was God when Satan prevented them? Can any other Scriptures shed light on this question?
• What motivated Paul to keep pushing forward? What was the reward he was working for? How is this similar to what parenting should be like?

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