Focus on God’s Goodness-Crown of Rejoicing
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in First Thessalonians 2:19.
The Apostle Paul lived with a heavenly perspective. This view helped him to stay focused on the mission that God gave him.
When writing to the church, he said, “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? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
Paul is referring here to the crown of rejoicing. He would have likely seen converts to the Christian faith in this church as a result of his ministry. In the previous chapter, he told believers at this church they welcomed the Gospel when they heard the message and turned from idols to serve the living and true God.
The crown of rejoicing is given to the saints of God who have invested in people’s lives with the Gospel. As a result, people were saved and grew in their walk with God. That joy of seeing changed lives is possible for us today and into the future.
The crown of rejoicing reveals the Goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com