“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.”
The Few
Paul names the actual people he had invested in as his own hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing, worth noticing this direct, personal language, not abstract satisfaction at a job well done, but genuine, relational joy, these actual people themselves named as Paul’s own glory and joy.
This is worth holding as this whole book’s own genuine, relational aim, not merely successful multiplication measured abstractly, but this described, personal joy, actual relationships genuinely treasured, worth examining whether your own investment in others has produced this kind of genuine, relational delight.
Notice at his coming, this joy specifically anticipated at Christ’s own return, worth holding as long-term perspective, this relational joy not merely a present, temporary satisfaction, but something Paul anticipated continuing, genuinely, into eternity, these same people still his glory and joy at that future coming.
Consider today whoever you have invested in as genuinely, personally precious, your own glory and joy, following Paul’s own example, not merely successful projects completed, but actual people genuinely treasured, worth anticipating this same joy continuing, genuinely, even at Christ’s own eventual coming.
Pour Into the Few
- Name specifically who currently represents your own glory and joy, following Paul’s own personal language.
- Express this genuine, relational delight to them today, not merely satisfaction at successful outcomes.
- Anticipate this joy continuing into eternity, not merely a present, temporary satisfaction.
Prayer
Lord, let whoever I have invested in genuinely be my own glory and joy, the way the Thessalonians were Paul’s, this relational delight anticipated continuing even at your coming. Amen.
Carry this today
Genuine investment produces relational joy, actual people treasured, not merely abstract success.