Today we read 1 Thessalonians 4. Paul comforts the Thessalonians, saying that the dead in Christ will be the first to taste the resurrection and come with the risen Christ. At the second coming, we will all be together once more. Christians grieve over the death of loved ones but not as those who have no hope. The resurrection of our Lord, and the victory we have over death through Him, gives us a living hope, despite the fact that death separates loved ones and causes great pain. • Thank You, Lord Jesus, for making the way through death a path of hope and joy, due to Your resurrection. Create in our hearts the joy and hope of Your victory over death. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10386). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 1 Thessalonians 3. Paul gives thanks and prays for the Thessalonians when he hears the good report from Timothy that they are standing in their faith and have the same kind of love for him as he has for them. Our faith in the Lord and love for one another should be as living and contagious as that of the Thessalonians. The Lord, who has promised to be with us until the end of time, will keep us in His faith and kindle His love in our hearts so that we may love Him and one another. • We praise You, O God, because the gates of hell cannot prevent the sown seed of Your Word from growing. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10382-10383). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 1 Thessalonians 2. Paul’s experience, inner being, motives, and love toward the Christians is laid bare. He speaks about how he conducted himself (verses 9–12). He commends the Thessalonians for receiving the Gospel preached by him as the Word of God and for enduring persecution for its sake (verses 13–16). The Lord wants us to share His Gospel boldly, even if there is suffering or conflict in our path. We should please God and be faithful to His message rather than speak what is pleasing for people to hear. Let us not make lack of financial resources an excuse. The Lord who commanded His disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations will be with us according to His promise and will enable us to pass through any hardship we may face. The Gospel’s truth and power will not change despite our feebleness (2 Corinthians 4:7). • Help us, Lord, to confess the Gospel of Christ faithfully. May our life also shine before the world so that the preaching of the Gospel may not be eclipsed by the darkness in our life. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10379). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we begin with another new book of the New Testament–Paul’s letter to the Christian congregation in Thessalonica (located in modern-day Greece). The Thessalonians become model Christians in words and deeds due to the impact of the Gospel in their lives and the fruit of the Spirit demonstrated in their faith, love, and hope. Compared to the Thessalonians, we are much poorer in our faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope. Even without hardship or persecution, we are slow to confess our faith and live it out in love. The Lord knows each one of us and our specific situation. His Spirit has created faith in us and gives us power and full conviction. Despite our weaknesses and failings, His unfailing love and forgiveness will sustain us to be His witnesses. • Thank You, Lord, for the victorious life You gave to the Thessalonians. Make us also an exemplary witness for the Gospel, so that Your name may be glorified far beyond our community. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10376-10377). (Function). Kindle Edition.