|
|
Meditation of the Day“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is among you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1, KJV).At the end of chapter 2, the apostle prays for his beloved
flock, that God might comfort their hearts and establish them in every good word
and work. Here now he beseeches
them likewise to remember him and his associates in prayer as they continue the
apostolic advancement and proclamation of the gospel. Prayer is the engine that drives and advances the kingdom
of God forward. Here, Paul says
that we ought to pray that the word of the Lord spread quickly (NET) and be
glorified (doxa,zhtai). In the 1st chapter, Paul says he is praying that
the believers in Thessalonica might live according to their holy calling (1:11),
so that (i[na) the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified (evndoxasqh/|) in you, according to the grace
of God and Christ (1:12). So does praying that the Word be glorified steal away from
Christ’s glory? Not necessarily,
since John tells us that Christ is the divine Word (1:1, lo,goj, logos).
In fact, without the Word of God, the Holy Spirit cannot fully reveal
Christ to us. And so, let us not pit one against the other, for they are
in a sense one and the same prayer. Where
Christ is already known and proclaimed, let us pray that His precious name be
glorified. Where Christ is not yet
known, let us pray that the Word would be honored, or glorified, since faith
comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Is this not what happened in Thessalonica, where Paul
declared his assurance of their election? We
read, “We know, beloved brethren, your election of God, since our
gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy
Spirit, and in much assurance” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). I believe that the Word had such an impact upon them because
other believers, who were converted by the same power of the Word, were praying
that it would spread rapidly and be glorified as Paul took it to Thessalonica. Brothers and sisters, let us repent of not praying enough
for the Word of God’s going forth to the ends of the earth and being glorified
as it transforms the lives of those whom it touches. Pray that the Spirit would unleash His powerful sword among
the nations. I would encourage you to pick up a copy of Operation World,
and begin praying for the countless missionaries who are taking the Word of God
to places it has never been heard, known, or cherished.
Make 2 Thessalonians 3:1 real in your prayer life today! As James says, “We have not because we ask not” (3:1).
Oh may this no longer be so! Holy Spirit, enable us all to pray like Paul did.
O Christ, get all the glory as your Word spreads to every tongue and
tribe. For Christ and His world-wide glory, Pastor Ryan
|
Send mail to webmaster@LethbridgeBaptist.com with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: July 22, 2009 |
