Daily Bread 4-28-18
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
ref. - 1 Jn 4:10 - Herein is love, not that we loved God, but the he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Once again Paul is closing his letter to the Thessalonicans with a beautiful blessing towards those who have grabbed on to the gospel in which he brought them in Jesus Christ. But if we look at these verses there is instruction as well. He not only is wishing these people blessing from the Father above, but also letting them know that their hope is in Jesus Christ. It still holds true today as this gospel will never change nor will it never die. If we want true consolation it will not come from any other than Jesus Christ. Our hope in grace is in one who defeated death right in front of others and not long after was drawn up into the clouds. There were witnesses and it is true. If we want true comfort in our hearts rather than temporary covering of our pain we can only get it from God in Jesus Christ. And, finally, if we want to be established in good words and works, this meaning that it is not just something that we do, it is who we are, we must receive it from the only one who can transform us into these people. And all of this is available in one, Jesus Christ. It is not how attached we are or how much we love him, it is how much he loves us. No matter the issue or the trial that we face, he loves us and is waiting to give us the grace, hope, and consolation to get through anything. And this is the wish of any Godly person that all will some day come to the knowledge of the great mercy and grace that is in Jesus Christ. God loves us, and sent his Son to be the sweet humble sacrifice that would cover our sins forever. There will be no more blood sacrifice but we must be transformed into godly people through his word, his example, and his Holy Spirit. And all because he first loved us!! Blessings from God the Father and Jesus Christ!!! Have a great day!!!