This passage helps us understand a bit better why we even have the letters of 1&2 Thessalonians. Paul knew these people, he loved these people, and he ministered to these people. So, he sensed an urgency to write to them not once, but at least twice. Though we won’t get much into the text of 1 Thessalonians until the following week, this week’s message will help give some background to the letter as a whole.
This sermon calls people to take time to calm and quiet their soul and slow down the business of life and learn to rest in Jesus.
We’ve reached the end of Hosea, and God concludes this book not with judgment but with grace. And that grace comes in the form of an invitation to return to Him. This turning away from false gods to the one, true God is picked up in the New Testament with the idea of repentance.
This week we’re right back in the thick of the mire. The people have once again, as expected perhaps, spurned God’s grace and love as they continue to run back to those gods who give no grace. As hard as it may be to come to this recurring theme of rebellion time and again, it is necessary because we tend to be Good-News-forgetful people. We need to hear the truth that we all are sinners in need of a Savior, and we need to hear it again and again and again.
We know God is love. But what does that mean? It cannot be whatever we want it to be. Or at least it shouldn’t be. Whatever we say it is ought to be whatever He says it is. So, scripture must guide our way in that. As we look at this passage, we look at the way in which God’s love displays itself in action toward these Israelites.