1 Thessalonians 2: The Crown of Glory
1 Thessalonians 2:
The Crown of Glory
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.
Paul led a life of true suffering, dedicated to proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. As a Pharisaical scholar, he could have lived a life of authority, respect, power, and wealth. Yet, he chose to walk the path of hardship.
He did not seek glory from people (v. 6). Instead, he hoped for the crown he would receive before Jesus (v. 19). His hope of receiving this crown before Christ was tied to the believers in the Thessalonian church, who had embraced Jesus as the Christ and followed the example of the true church (v. 14).
For Paul, hope lay solely in the crown given by Jesus. This is why he lived a life running toward the goal, undeterred by any suffering. He did not resort to deceit, impurity, or trickery to gain glory from others (v. 3). He didn’t use flattery or disguise his greed (v. 5).
He joyfully confessed that he was willing to give not only the gospel but also his very life to the believers (v. 8). This was rooted in his love for them, just as God loved humanity by giving His Son, Jesus.
For Paul, glory was found in the transformed lives of those who heard the gospel he preached. It was about them living lives devoted to the same Lord he served. His authority, respect, and wealth were not the goals; rather, it was about nurturing disciples of Christ, just as he himself had become one.
As Paul looked upon the believers in Thessalonica, he wrote this letter filled with joy and gratitude. He could see the crown of Jesus before him reflected in their lives.
I eagerly anticipate the time when I can write letters like Paul’s.
♧ Merciful God, help me to seek no glory from people. Like Paul, make it clear to me what my glory, joy, and hope truly are, and keep me from deceit, impurity, trickery, flattery, and greed. Today, let me run toward the goal. Amen.