“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thess.2:16-17
Lord Jesus, what a fabulous passage to fuel our gratitude and orient our hearts for the next several days. Thank you for the “eternal encouragement and good hope” we’ve already received through the Gospel. Our future is looking awesome! You conquered death for us and have given us irrevocable citizenship in heaven. Thank you! But there’s more.
When you return, Jesus, you will usher in the new heaven and new earth (Rev.21:1-5), and we’ll finally realize what you weren’t exaggerating. Our eternity will be exponentially beyond anything that’s ever dazzled our eyes or caused our ears to dance—lightyears beyond anything our hearts have the capacity to dream, imagine, or hope (1 Cor.2:9). Again, thank you!
It’s precisely because we have “eternal encouragement and good hope” we look to you this week for present encouragement and functional hope. Strengthen us, Lord. Some of us are facing transitions, challenges, and “surprises.” Some of us remain in chronic pain, exhausting relationships, and jobs we’d gladly trade for a pet rabbit. By your Holy Spirit, assure us that you are aware, in control, and are at work for our good. Forgive us when we think otherwise.
Help us to worship more than we worry, bless more than we curse, and rest more than we resent. Jesus, as we trust and wait upon you, may our words and choices honor you this week. So Very Amen.