We have not highlighted all of Paul’s “invocations and benedictions.” But this one (3:5) demands our attention.
For who is Paul praying? The “brethren” at Thessalonica (3:1).
The primary reason for this letter is Paul’s
dealing with a question about the “day of the Lord” (2:1-2). In the verses leading to this prayer Paul
asks for prayer that he might be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men;
that was a significant issue. They he
speaks of the Lord’s faithfulness and his confidence in the faithfulness of the
Thessalonian believers. The people are
reminded: there’s trouble everywhere, for Christians; but God is faithful to
protect; and you need to walk in obedience.
With that background he prays this prayer.
To whom is Paul praying? “the Lord”
This is the same one who he has just said will
be faithful in protecting them. They are
not in a situation where they must be afraid.
In spite of what some have tried to tell them, they are not in the “day
of the Lord.” This assurance of God’s
faithful keeping means they are free to live in a way that pleases Him. Thus, Paul does not pray for their
protection; he prays for God’s resources to glorify Him.
What requests does Paul present?
First, he prays the Lord will “direct your
hearts.” Literally, it means to make or
keep one straight. It can include the
idea of removing hindrances, such as distractions or fears, etc. It is applied to their “hearts,” so the idea
is that at the very seat of their being God would make them straight. If the heart is right, then the soul is right
and the body will follow along. I am
again reminded of the Psalms, where David prayed, unite my heart to fear Your
name (Ps. 86:11).
Paul desires the Lord to make their hearts
straight in regard to two matters: the love of God and the patience
of Christ. God’s love, the love that
brought Him to send His Son as the atoning sacrifice for sin (John 3:16). And Christ’s patience, whereby for the joy
that was set before Him endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). When we bring these together, we have …
·
Loving perseverance: It is not “if I have to I’ll stay by
you and love you.” Rather, “I count
it joy to endure for God.”
·
Persevering love: It is not “Things aren’t
going right; I will just have to quit helping you.” Rather, “Love never fails. The fact that you offended me just tells me I
have to love you more.”
Oh, that someone is praying this prayer for
me. How I long to love as God loves,
patiently as Christ. Lord, straighten my
heart, direct my heart into the love of God and the patience of Christ.
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