The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Thessalonians 3:2,
"Pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith."
In this letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul felt the need to ask this fellowship for prayer for himself and his team. He asked for safety from "wicked and evil people". As we read the accounts in the book of Acts of Paul's exploits, this request for prayer certainly had cause.
Paul asked for prayer from other fellowships in this regard as well. He asked the church in Rome to be praying for him as he looked ahead to taking a gift from the Gentiles to the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, "I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea..." Romans 15:30-31a.
Paul was certainly having an impact in the world and the spiritual forces of evil took note of him. In Acts 19:13-16 we read about a demon who told the sons of a Jewish chief priest, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?" We also know the world hates all believers. In 1 John 3:13 we read, "Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you." There certainly was cause for Paul to request prayer for himself and the others who worked with him. He was dangerous to the dark side.
"Pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith."
In this letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul felt the need to ask this fellowship for prayer for himself and his team. He asked for safety from "wicked and evil people". As we read the accounts in the book of Acts of Paul's exploits, this request for prayer certainly had cause.
Paul asked for prayer from other fellowships in this regard as well. He asked the church in Rome to be praying for him as he looked ahead to taking a gift from the Gentiles to the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, "I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea..." Romans 15:30-31a.
Paul was certainly having an impact in the world and the spiritual forces of evil took note of him. In Acts 19:13-16 we read about a demon who told the sons of a Jewish chief priest, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?" We also know the world hates all believers. In 1 John 3:13 we read, "Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you." There certainly was cause for Paul to request prayer for himself and the others who worked with him. He was dangerous to the dark side.
From one standpoint, facing danger from unbelievers can be a mark that we are having an impact on the world around us. Worldwide we read of some of the horrific things that have been done to brothers and sisters. When the forces of evil feel threatened, they lash out at God's people. We, who are believers, should be mindful of what is possible in this life and seek God's help in prayer for protection, just as Paul did.
I can't help but wonder, if I seem to face no threat, maybe I'm not such a threat to the spiritual forces of evil as a child of God?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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