03 March - Longing to See You
“So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.”
1 Thessalonians 3:1-3
Following the Movement Control Order in March 2020, I called my target group to check on their wellbeing. They shared their plight and suffering. Some had lost their jobs, others had pay cuts, and a few had very little food for several days. Our Social Concerns Ministry immediately responded to their needs. In such a situation, I wonder, “What would Jesus do in times like this?”
Diligently follow the model of Jesus! In today’s reading, we see how the Apostle Paul responded to the struggles and suffering of the Thessalonian believers. While they did not go through a COVID-19 pandemic, the Christians in Thessalonica, nonetheless, faced ‘much suffering’ (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Paul was in a dilemma where he needed to make a choice between alleviating his own loneliness or alleviating the suffering of the Thessalonians; and he chose a godly choice. He sent his co-worker, Timothy to be with the believers rather than to have him by his personal side. The normal mindset says, “Take care of your needs first and then do charity” but not so for Paul. “So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens” (v.1). Paul faithfully followed his Master’s example by ‘not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others’ (Philippians 2:4).
Determine to address! Secondly, Paul attended to a needy situation. It was not just wishy-washy platitudes, but a holistic decision making to honour God. True compassion is action oriented. Paul wrote, “So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy” (vv.1-2a). There was a needs assessment done by Paul. His conclusion was that the Thessalonians believers needed moral support more than he did. To address their need, he sent Timothy. He chose to be a godly example by putting his needs last. “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
Deploy apt assistance! Thirdly, Paul acted. “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” (v.2). He knew who to send and for what end result. He sent a situational leader who had compassion and cognisance of the situation, to achieve the anticipated outcome, “encouragement.” He sent his very best handpicked Timothy; his best choice to address the situation.
Destined to suffer! Paul’s message was tough. In today’s Christianity, many find it hard to accept that “suffering” is part of a divine calling. Jesus himself had warned us "In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul wrote, “For you know quite well that we are destined for suffering” (v.3). Here we see Paul, not as a people pleaser, but as a dedicated servant of God, who is brutally honest but divinely compassionate.
PONDER
In the current trying pandemic situation, how well do you understand the Father-heart of God? Is our help and aid to the needy structured on the holistic model of Jesus or done as a mere charity? How ready and eager are we to accept the “ministry and calling of suffering”?
PROMISE
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I have been a ceremonial Christian without much action. I have forgotten that faith without action is dead! I have acted ritualistically without much involvement. Forgive, Lord! Teach me to practise your godly examples. Enable me to adhere to the model of your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Article by Ms Jasmine Adaickalam, a member of the Diocesan Synod. She heads the Social Ministry of St James Church, Kuala Lumpur. Her passion is to restore the dignity of the disadvantaged people groups.